Pictured from left: Environmental Compliance Coordinator, Frank Davis; Administrative Assistant, Aimee Butch; Scientist I, Adam Votedian; Senior Manager, Water Quality/Environmental Compliance, Faith Wydra; and Scientist II, Daniel Thiessen.

The scientists and chemists that make up the team are integral to safeguarding the quality of drinking water for all customers. Made up of two distinct divisions, compliance and water quality, the team has eleven members. 

The water quality division is tasked with laboratory testing and research to monitor chemical balances in the water. Critical duties require conducting field sampling tests, lab analysis, and investigation into our water infrastructure. The compliance team assists with water sampling and testing but mainly focuses on compliance reporting to oversight agencies. 

Erich Schafrick, who works as a Chemist I, recognizes the importance of testing levels in water. Erich primarily conducts quality control on our Highland Park Reservoir to routinely test pH levels.

Senior Manager, Water Quality/Environmental Compliance, Faith Wydra stated, 

“We have the most important and most rewarding job at PWSA. We have to ensure the safety of our population by providing safe water through rigorous testing and monitoring of our systems.”

Dan Thiessen, Scientist II, at PWSA specializes in writing compliance reports and agrees that the water quality and compliance teams have one of PWSA’s most rewarding jobs. 

“The data that we track and report makes sure the water that is distributed by PWSA is safe for people to drink and enjoy.” 

By recording and submitting data and information, PWSA is able to track and analyze those reports to help improve water quality.

Since PWSA is a public water provider, several government programs set specific standards with reporting requirements. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is our primary regulatory agency. To accommodate the DEP requirements, the compliance team routinely conducts inspections with agency members and submits reports and data to the review agencies. 

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the compliance team has conducted virtual inspections with DEP regulators at treatment sites to provide photographic evidence to the agency. These virtual inspections are an example of our compliance team’s adaptability to meet requirements set forth by the oversight agencies and maintain a safe workspace at the treatment sites.

The water quality and compliance teams have several new and exciting initiatives to improve water quality. One example is a pilot plant. Here, the team can research and test new chemicals and trials for possible DEP and other governmental agencies’ approval. These trials allow PWSA scientists to improve the processes and chemicals used to treat our water. 

Considered by the team to be one of the most rewarding positions at PWSA, the water quality and compliance team aims to keep the public safe through testing and reporting. The abundance of testing that the team conducts should make customers feel safe knowing that the water provided by PWSA consistently meets requirements set forth by government regulators.  

When problems arise with PWSA infrastructure the compliance and water teams are quick to respond and ensure that safe and healthy water is available to all residents. 

Water Quality Team not pictured: Chemist I’s, Erich Schafrick, Paris Bundrige, Robert Gomez, and Jonathan Seward; Chemist II, John Carroll; Project Manager, Linda Leopold; and Water Quality Data Manager Michael Czypinski.