The fast-paced Meter Madness contest pitted competitors against the clock to assemble a water meter from a bucket of parts. Competitors practiced year round to compete at the American Water Works Association's Annual Conference and Exposition, held at Anaheim Convention Center from June 8 to 10. First place recipient Samantha Dietz of Fredericksburg, Va. won in a time of 33.28 seconds in assembling a Master Meter MMPD 5/8" x 3/4". Photo: Larry Shield

Peter Grevatt, PhD, director of Office of Ground Water & Drinking Water gave the keynote address on June 9 at the American Water Works Association's Annual Conference and Exposition, held at Anaheim Convention Center.

"When we're faced with a water emergency we need to ask ourselves what tools the community can use for what test and how should they proceed," said Grevatt. "Our agency wants to make sure folks are aware of what tools they can use. Conventional treatments will hopefully be effective."

Grevatt said communities need to pay attention to what happens with water sources. He recommended communicating early and often about the concerned situation. Reach out to your local officials and talk about how to proceed.

"You need to figure out when and how to talk with the public about these issues," said Grevatt. "It's important to discover how the algotoxins were first discovered. Think about if these will break through into the drinking water."