Rising to the Challenge

Fluoridation

When the City of San Antonio voted to fluoridate its water, SAWS took on the challenge of developing a fluoridation system that was both safe to operate and cost effective to implement. When construction bids from outside contractors came in much higher than projected, SAWS chose to bring the installation project in-house and act as the general contractor. SAWS and a smaller water purveyor in San Antonio worked together to maximize purchasing power and technical expertise while minimizing the time and cost involved. Together, the two water companies brought the fluoride system on line and on time for $2 million less than the outside contractors’ original bids.

Security

Even though SAWS has never taken water operations security for granted, the higher level of security awareness due to increased global threats and terrorism moved the organization into a higher level of infrastructure security. Shortly after the terrorist attacks on the U.S., SAWS completed two facility vulnerability assessments and one cyber security assessment. A third facility assessment was done after the Environmental Protection Agency required utilities to look at facility security under its Vulnerability Assessment Program. SAWS was one of the first water utilities in the U.S. to apply for and receive a grant for the assessment.

Salado Creek Spill

Difficult situations turned into new alliances after a 24" sewer main spill on Salado Creek on San Antonio’s far south side. Floodwaters in the area combined with the spill resulting in severe erosion on the creek. SAWS employees’ timely response and innovative solutions to the spill reduced the resulting environmental impact. The Salado Creek Foundation – a volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation and well-being of the creek – recognized SAWS Operations team for its timely response and containment of the spill. In appreciation, the group catered a lunch for SAWS employees and their families.