Page 12 - Julyaug

by Vaughn Cassidy

History WortH remembering

TN Certifed Water Operators

The safe, clean and convenient water abundantly operators under a voluntary certifcation
enjoyed in Tennessee has an interesting history. The program. An operator passing the
training, technology and level of professional and examination was issued a temporary
certifcation good for two years. Afer
personal commitment by certifed operators statewide passing three consecutive examinations,
have given us a reliable, accessible water and two years apart, a permanent certifcation
was issued. A classifcation system
wastewater distribution system. It was not always so. and credit for operating experience
was developed and used to process
applications for certifcation.
Rough Beginnings Assembly established the Division of Te voluntary certifcation was
Tennessee’s frst distribution lines Sanitary Engineering to provide for the an important step, but it wasn’t a
were made of bored-out logs, usually distribution and safety of Tennessee’s requirement. Approximately 30 years
from hemlock or elm trees, not the water supply. Ultimately, in 1929 a later, a mandatory certifcation program
ductile iron or even high-density vinyl certifcation program was established was established. On May 14, 1971,
of today. Te trees’10-inch-thick trunks to provide training for water operators the Water Environmental Health Act
were cut into seven-nine-foot lengths. with training sessions being held was passed requiring all public water
Wooden pipe laid below ground created initially in Knoxville. Training manuals systems to be under the supervision of a
several problems, especially in larger were established to assist operators in state certifed operator. Tis legislation
settlements or towns. Sagging pipes successfully performing their job. established a Board of Certifcation
underground would cause the water to Although the water operators were to oversee the program. Soon afer,
become stagnant. Te wooden pipes now ofered training and manuals, safety regulations were adopted to establish
were ofen infested with insects, and the was still a concern. In the late 1930s, the a classifcation system, qualifcation
water generally had a woody taste. Te state developed and conducted the frst for certifcation, continuing education
borers would fx the log by eye, size it examination for the certifcation of water Continued on page 14
up with a point of the ax, and drill or
bore out the center. Ramming one end
to make a conical shape, they would
jam the logs together in a series, using a
bituminous-like pitch or tar to caulk the
joists. Sometimes they would split the log
and hollow it out, put it together, connect
the logs with iron hoops, or get the
blacksmith to caulk the logs with lead.
Troughout the eighteenth century,
these unregulated wooden distribution
systems were managed by untrained
or even non-existent civil operators.
Modern technology, chemical treatment,
automation, and training were all
futuristic.
The State Steps In
Tese conditions sparked concern for
public water supply safety and resulted
in the appointment of a committee by WOODEN PIPES like these
the State Board of Health to investigate were used for drinking water
the issue in 1884. Te Board created and even gas connections.
a water supply program with a state Photo courtesy of Chris Coughlin,
appointed sanitary engineer to oversee it Jackson Energy Authority
around 1919. Ten in 1921, the General
12 TPW July/August 2014