New Water Loss Validation Requirement Takes Effect
January 1, 2025 – To effectively plan for the future, water utilities need to know how much water they are using and losing in their systems today. Water loss audits help utilities identify where water loss is occurring and where they may need to implement mitigation activities.
Starting January 1, 2025, all utilities that have an active financial obligation or are applying for financial assistance from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) will be required to have their annual water loss audits validated to improve the quality of the data. Water loss audit validation is a process that identifies uncertainty in the water loss audit and, as a result, provides more reliable data.
The validation process includes examining water loss audit inputs and gathering additional information to identify and correct data inaccuracies in alignment with industry standards. The TWDB will work with utilities to validate their submitted water loss audits at no cost to the utility, or utilities can choose to have the audit validated elsewhere if the validation follows the TWDB’s guidelines.
“It’s important for a utility to accurately calculate and understand how much water they are losing in their system,” said Daniel Rice, Team Lead for the TWDB’s Municipal Water Conservation Team. “Reliable water loss audits provide a better picture of how much water is actually being used and to better plan for future needs. The validation process also allows us to provide recommendations to the utilities based on more accurate data.”
Recommendations can include activities such as implementing a meter testing program, master meter calibration, or revising data collection and billing accounting procedures.
In addition to identifying where infrastructure upgrades and other water loss mitigation activities may be needed in a system, audits can also be used to measure the effectiveness of the policies and procedures related to data collection and reporting. If water management strategies are developed using incorrect water loss audit data, a utility’s water loss mitigation plan may be less effective.
The TWDB began offering voluntary water loss audit validation services earlier this year to refine and improve the process ahead of the requirement in January. The City of Hurst in Tarrant County was one of 23 utilities that participated in the voluntary validation process, and the TWDB’s validators helped identify a more accurate water loss dataset for every utility that participated.
“We recognized the opportunity to not only be better prepared for the new audit requirement, but also an opportunity to roll up our sleeves together with the TWDB’s team for a much more detailed and comprehensive exercise,” said Chris Perry, Director of Utilites for the City of Hurst. “Working through the components of the audit together provided more of a one-on-one resource for any and every issue that arose.”
Through the validation process, the City of Hurst identified areas for improvement in data recording, storing, and sharing that will optimize how the utility manages water supply, including compliance reporting and water loss mitigation efforts.
Utilities equipped with accurate and reliable data can make informed decisions when it comes to directing resources and meeting Texas’ long-range water needs.
To learn more about water loss audits, visit the TWDB website.
A New Kind Of Resolution: Prioritizing Mental Health In The New Year
Small steps and self-care can help people navigate post-holiday challenges and set meaningful resolutions for the new year.
January 1, 2024 – By Texas A&M Health – Whether the winter brought connection and celebration or the perfect storm for anxiety, depression and other mental health struggles, individuals forging resolutions in the afterglow of the holiday season can make mental health a priority in the new year.
Michelle Bettin, senior director of counseling and mental health care at Texas A&M University Health Services, said this time of year can be particularly difficult. Seasonal reductions in natural sunlight, along with changes in diet, exercise and routine, can contribute to challenging environmental factors. And while the holidays tend to bring people together, some individuals may struggle with dysfunctional family dynamics or a lack of family connection altogether. Others may experience stress or sadness at saying goodbye to loved ones as the holidays conclude.
It’s easy to slip into a deficit mindset, comparing celebrations to social media posts, Bettin said. “It also can highlight how our family or our relationships are not like the families and holidays we see on the TV and in movies,” she said.
Bettin recommended extending grace to oneself and others. She advised against adhering to arbitrary standards or unrealistic expectations, and she cautioned against comparing oneself to others’ experiences, which can open the door to self-doubt and disappointment, she said.
Instead of measuring success by comparison metrics, Bettin recommended approaching resolutions by setting small, attainable goals for the new year. Prioritizing mental health through “SMART goals,” provides a framework to for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound aspirations. The SMART goal method swaps lofty goals, like “cure my anxiety” or “be happy every day,” for more realistic steps tailored to fit specific lifestyles. Bettin said reasonable goals might include “get to therapy once a month” or “set aside 15 minutes for a walk or meditation.”
Along with honoring individual priorities, resolutions should create opportunities or guard time for self-care. Even without pre-existing mental health conditions, self-care plays a crucial role in managing the stresses of daily life and can look different for everyone.
For those struggling, a wide range of national and local resources offer support: University Health Services curates a list of local and national hotline numbers, and 211 Texas lists resources and information on topics including housing, employment, nutrition and mental health. Reach 211 Texas online or by dialing 211 to access a variety of services, including urgent and non-urgent mental health care.
When balancing different facets of life and maintaining mental health feels overwhelming or even impossible, Bettin stressed the importance of striving for a positive attitude and asking for help when needed. “We can plan all we want, but life happens while we’re making plans,” she said. “Being willing to accept that sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned — and finding, even in those moments, what there is to be grateful about and what really brings you joy — can make all the difference.”
This and That for January 2025 From Master Gardener David Wall
December 31, 2024 – The Northern giant hornet (largest wasp in existence) arrived in the U.S. in 2019. Due to its ability to literally destroy a honeybee hive it quickly became known as the murder hornet. Whatever the name, it posed a major threat to North American honeybees and our agriculture. As a result, a program was established to remove the hornet from our continent. After three years without a sighting, despite many supposed sightings, it appears to have successfully been removed.
To ease the starting of a new hibiscus plant, cut off a small twig of your existing plant. Cut a ½” to ¾” section out of a still mostly green banana. Put the sprig base in the banana section and plant. It’ll root and grow.
Every day, 27,000 trees are cut down for toilet paper. To at least reduce that number, a new high-quality 3-ply tissue made from bamboo has been developed. The result is a high-quality product that doesn’t harm trees is now available. Bamboo grows up to roughly 100 times faster than an average tree. It may not be available locally, but you can order it on-line. I’m very satisfied with mine!
Always have a lemon available in your refrigerator and have one in your bedroom at night. For your bedroom, curt a cross in the lemon and put it on the nightstand next to you. They’re considered a natural medicine and are gaining in popularity. They are known to help people who suffer problems in sleeping. They’re loaded with antiseptic and antibacterial properties. The aroma reduces stress and fatigue and can help get rid of a hangover! The aroma also helps clean nasal passages, and repels mosquitoes. It helps with allergies and promotes lung health. It filters and cleans our blood, and helps with arthritic, rheumatism pain, stomach upset
TPWD Encourages Monitoring, Reporting of Animals Affected by New World Screwworm
December 30, 2024 – AUSTIN — Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) asks hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts in South Texas to monitor for animals affected by New World Screwworm (NWS) after a recent detection in Mexico.
This detection, found in a cow at an inspection checkpoint in the southern Mexico State of Chiapas, close to the border with Guatemala, follows the progressively northward movement of NWS through both South and Central Americas.
As a protective measure, animal health officials ask those along the southern Texas border to monitor wildlife, livestock and pets for clinical signs of NWS and immediately report potential cases.
What is New World Screwworm?
New World screwworms are larvae or maggots of the NWS fly (Cochliomyia hominivorax), that cause a painful condition known as NWS myiasis. NWS flies lay eggs in open wounds or orifices of live tissue such as nostrils, eyes or mouth. These eggs hatch into dangerous parasitic larvae, and the maggots burrow or screw into flesh with sharp mouth hooks. Wounds can become larger, and an infestation can often cause serious, deadly damage or death to the infected animal.
NWS primarily infests livestock but can also affect humans and wildlife including deer and birds.
The parasite was last eradicated from the U.S. in 1966, with costly efforts by federal and state animal health officials, livestock producers and veterinary practitioners. Eradication efforts have continued in Central America, but the pest is considered widespread in Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic and South American countries.
Clinical signs of NWS myiasis may include:
- Irritated or depressed behavior
- Loss of appetite
- Head shaking
- Smell of decaying flesh
- Presence of fly larvae (maggots) in wounds
- Isolation from other animals or people
Transmission
NWS infestations begin when a female NWS fly is drawn to the odor of a wound or natural opening on a live, warm-blooded animal, where she lays her eggs. These openings can include wounds as small as a tick bite, nasal or eye openings, navel of a newborn or genitalia.
One NWS female fly can lay up to 300 eggs at a time and may lay up to 3,000 eggs during her lifespan. Eggs hatch into larvae (maggots) that burrow into an opening to feed. After feeding, larvae drop to the ground, burrow into the soil and emerge as adult NWS flies. Adult NWS flies can fly long distances and the movement of infested livestock or wildlife can increase the rate of spread.
Prevention
When spending time outdoors (especially if traveling abroad to NWS-affected areas), be sure to clean and cover all wounds in addition to applying insect repellant to outdoor clothing to help avoid contact with NWS and other harmful insects.
How to Help
While in the field enjoying activities such as hunting, hiking or bird watching, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are asked to report suspected signs of NWS. Any wildlife with suspicious clinical signs consistent with NWS should be immediately reported to a local wildlife biologist. Livestock reports should be made to the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) or U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
“Those enjoying Texas’ natural resources have an opportunity to serve as the first line of defense in protecting wildlife, livestock, and human health,” said TPWD wildlife veterinarian Dr. J Hunter Reed. “Their eyes and ears will be critical to quickly responding and managing this threat.”
Additional information about NWS can be found on TAHC, USDA and the Center for Disease Control NWS webpages.
Governor Abbott Statement On Passing Of Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter
December 29, 2024 – Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott today released a statement following the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter:
“Cecilia and I mourn the loss of former President Jimmy Carter alongside millions of Americans across the country. Our nation remains the greatest beacon of freedom and opportunity in the world because of our fearless chief executives who are our guiding force through the best and worst of times. For that, we owe President Carter our enduring gratitude for his service as the 39th President of the United States. Having led a life marked by selfless service to the American people, President Carter leaves behind a great legacy as a husband, father, naval officer, governor, and Nobel prize winner, and he will be greatly missed by many. Cecilia and I send our prayers and deepest condolences to the entire Carter family.”
Saving Your Tomato Seeds From Master Gardener David Wall
December 29, 2024 – Saving seeds for many vegetables is pretty straightforward. Depending on the vegetable, you may be able to get them from a ripe, over-ripe, or dead fruit. For example, save cucumber seeds from a ripe fruit. Save peppers from a red or over-ripe fruit. Save okra seeds from a dead pod. Saving tomato seeds for next year, however is slightly different.
Yes, you can collect the seeds, dry them, and store them in a container that breathes – I use envelopes! To get the best germination rates, however, tomato seeds need to be fermented. Fermentation is the natural process a tomato seed goes through in the wild. The fruit drops and rots. The seeds ferment as the fruit rots, and later they dry. Next spring, they sprout. Manual fermentation does the same thing. So how does one go about accomplishing this process?
First, gut the tomato, placing the insides (seeds, pulp & juice) in a jar. The outer skin is still available for salads and other uses. Then add enough water so that the entire mixture is in suspension. Now stir the mixture thoroughly with a spoon or other tool and set down. You’ll soon notice seeds that are floating. They’re no good and will be removed (not now!) later.
Now put a cloth cover over the jar top and secure it with string, a rubber band or other device. Using a cloth to ensures air can enter or leave. Now set aside. The jar may smell, but that’s all right. During this time, the seeds are fermenting. Good seeds will sink to the bottom.
After 3-5 days, no longer, remove any floating mold and seeds. Put in a fine mesh stainer, wash/rinse, and put on a paper towel to dry. Once dried, store in a breathable container (I use envelopes!).
Hopkins County Genealogical Society Holiday Hours
December 27, 2024 – The Hopkins County Genealogical Society announces that, in observance of the New Year’s Holiday, they will be closed Tuesday, December 31, 2024, and Wednesday, January 1, 2025. They will reopen Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 9:30am. The Hopkins County Genealogical Society Library is located at 611 North Davis Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas. The Hopkins County Genealogical Society wishes everyone a safe and happy New Year, and will see you in 2025!
Some More Photo Ops With More Gala Sponsors
December 27, 2024 – Carriage House Manor
Thank you to our friends at Carriage House Manor for their sponsorship in support of the 19th annual Gala! The Tanton family is joined by the 2025 Gala Chairs, the Burgin family. From left to right are Brad Burgin, Julie Burgin, Arvis Tanton, Sheila Tanton, Shandra Dunn, Sharla Campbell, Linda Burgin, and Joe Bob Burgin.
Visit Gala2025.GiveSmart.com for more information.
City National Bank
Proceeds will go toward an MRI upgrade at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. Get your tickets at Gala2024.GiveSmart.com!
Leesa & Brian Toliver
Thank you to Leesa and Brian Toliver for sponsoring the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Gala. This annual event will be held on January 25, 2025, with proceeds going toward an MRI upgrade at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs.
Gathered by the big tree and big check are, from left to right, Teffany Burgin, Brad Burgin, Julie Burgin, Leesa Toliver, Brian Toliver, Linda Burgin, and Joe Bob Burgin.
For more information or to get tickets, go to Gala2025.GiveSmart.com Bidding for silent auction items will start on the same site on January 20. Some of Leesa’s photographs will be up for bid.
Social Security Fairness Act Almost a Law
December 27, 2024 – The Social Security Fairness Act, recently passed by Congress, aims to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), which have reduced Social Security benefits for public-sector retirees such as teachers, firefighters, and police officers.
The Senate approved the bill with a bipartisan vote of 76-20 on December 21, 2024, following the House’s passage on November 12, 2024.
The legislation now awaits President Joe Biden’s signature to become law.
Supporters argue that repealing WEP and GPO corrects long-standing inequities, allowing approximately 3 million public service retirees to receive full Social Security benefits they have earned.
Critics, however, express concerns about the financial implications, noting that the repeal could add $195 billion to federal deficits over the next decade and accelerate the insolvency of Social Security Trust Funds by six months.
If enacted, the law is expected to provide retroactive payments for 2024 to affected workers, though specific details are yet to be clarified.
The Social Security Fairness Act represents a significant shift in retirement benefits for public-sector employees, addressing concerns that have been debated for nearly four decades.
As the bill awaits the President’s signature, discussions continue regarding its long-term impact on Social Security’s financial health and the broader implications for retirement policy in the United States.
Here are the specific benefits for survivors:
1. Increased Survivor Benefits
- The repeal of the GPO allows surviving spouses and dependents of public-sector retirees to receive full Social Security survivor benefits, even if the deceased spouse was receiving a government pension.
- Previously, the GPO reduced or entirely eliminated these benefits, disproportionately impacting widows and widowers who relied on Social Security for financial stability.
2. Restoration of Fairness
- Survivors who were penalized due to the deceased’s government pension will now receive benefits that reflect the deceased’s full contributions to Social Security.
- This ensures that the system treats survivors equitably, regardless of the pension structure of the deceased.
3. Retroactive Payments
- If enacted, the law is expected to provide retroactive payments for survivors who were previously denied full benefits due to the GPO or WEP.
- Details of the retroactive payment timeline are yet to be clarified but could significantly aid families who faced financial challenges.
4. Financial Security for Low-Income Households
- Survivors, particularly those in low-income households, will benefit from the removal of these offsets, providing better financial security in retirement or times of bereavement.
5. Support for Women
- Since women are often more likely to outlive their spouses and rely on survivor benefits, the repeal addresses gender disparities in Social Security payouts for survivors of public-sector employees.
This legislation aims to ensure that Social Security provides fair and comprehensive support to survivors, correcting what many have viewed as long-standing inequities in the system.
Professor Reinforces That Fluoride In Water Helps Prevent Tooth Decay
Dr. Amal Noureldin, Texas A&M College of Dentistry, explains how growing opposition threatens a 70-year-old health practice.
By Dr. Amal Noureldin – December 27, 2024 – Driving through downtown Dallas, you might see a striking banner hanging at the U-turn bridge, near the Walnut Hill exit on Central Expressway (US 75): “Stop Fluoridation!” Below it, other banners demand action and warn of supposed dangers.
It’s not the first time fluoride has been at the center of public debate.
Since 1951, fluoride has been added to community water supplies in many countries to prevent tooth decay. Fluoridation started as an observation, then an idea that ended as a scientific revolution 50 years later.
Fluoridation is the controlled careful addition of a precise amount of fluoride to community water systems to enhance dental health, ensuring it remains safe without causing systemic health side effects.
The practice has been hailed as one of the “10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.”
But with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal opponent of fluoridation of water supplies, being tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, this progress is under threat.
I am a clinical professor specializing in caries management, with over 30 years of experience in preventing and treating early decay. In my view, it is crucial to rely on evidence-based practices and research that have consistently shown fluoride to be a cornerstone of dental health, benefiting millions without adverse effects.
Fluoride In The Water Supply
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, soil and even certain foods. Its role in oral health was first recognized in the early 20th century when researchers observed lower rates of tooth decay in communities with naturally high levels of fluoride in their water.
In 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first city in the world to intentionally fluoridate its water supply. This decision came after thorough discussions with Dr. H. Trendley Dean, head of the dental hygiene unit at the National Institutes of Health at the time, and other public health organizations. The Michigan Department of Health approved adding fluoride to the public water supply the following year.
The city was chosen due to its low natural fluoride levels, a large population of school-age children, and proximity to Muskegon, which served as a control city. After 11 years, the results were remarkable: Cavity rates among children in Grand Rapids born after fluoridation began dropped by over 60%.
By 2008, over 72% of the U.S. population – over 200 million Americans – using public water systems had access to fluoridated water.
This scientific breakthrough transformed dental care, turning tooth decay into a preventable condition for the first time in history.
Fluoride is naturally present in most water sources, but typically at concentrations too low to prevent tooth decay. By adjusting the fluoride level to the recommended 0.7 milligrams per liter, equivalent to about three drops in a 55-gallon barrel, it becomes sufficient to strengthen tooth enamel.
Benefits Of Fluoride For Tooth Health
The science is simple: Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, the protective outer layer of teeth, by promoting remineralization. It also makes teeth more resistant to the acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. This helps prevent cavities, a problem that remains widespread even in modern societies.
Fluoridated water has been extensively studied, and its benefits are well documented. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, water fluoridation reduces cavities by about 25% across all age groups. It’s a public health measure that works passively – every sip of water helps protect your teeth, without requiring you to change your behavior.
This is especially important for vulnerable populations. Low-income communities often face barriers to accessing dental care or fluoride products like toothpaste. By fluoridating water, communities provide a safety net, ensuring that everyone benefits regardless of their circumstances.
Economically, it’s a smart investment. Research shows that for every dollar spent on fluoridation, communities save about US$20 in dental treatment costs. These savings come from fewer fillings, extractions and emergency visits – expenses that disproportionately affect low-income communities.
Opposition To Fluoridation
Despite its benefits, water fluoridation is not without controversy. Opponents often argue that it infringes on personal choice – after all, most people don’t get to opt out of drinking community water. Others raise concerns about potential health risks, such as fluorosis, bone issues or thyroid problems.
Fluorosis, a condition caused by excessive fluoride exposure during childhood, is often cited as a reason for alarm. However, in most cases, it manifests as mild white spots on teeth and is not harmful. Severe fluorosis is rare in areas with regulated fluoride levels.
What about other health risks? Decades of research, including large-scale reviews by expert panels from around the world as well as the World Health Organization, have found no credible evidence linking fluoridation to serious health problems when fluoride levels are kept within recommended limits. In fact, the fluoride concentration in drinking water is carefully monitored to balance safety and effectiveness.
The CDC oversees the monitoring of fluoride levels in community water systems across the United States. Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency establishes a safety standard of 2 milligrams per liter to prevent mild or moderate dental fluorosis.
Still, the debate continues, fueled by misinformation and mistrust in public health initiatives.
It’s important to separate legitimate concerns from unfounded claims and rely on the overwhelming body of evidence supporting fluoridation’s safety.
Fluoride Alternatives
For those who prefer to avoid fluoride, there are alternatives to consider. But they come with challenges.
Fluoride-free toothpaste is one option, but it is less effective at preventing cavities compared with fluoride-containing products. Calcium-based treatments, like hydroxyapatite toothpaste, are gaining popularity as a fluoride alternative, though research on their effectiveness is still limited.
Diet plays a crucial role too. Cutting back on sugary snacks and drinks can significantly reduce the risk of cavities. Incorporating foods like crunchy vegetables, cheese and yogurt into your diet can help promote oral health by stimulating saliva production and providing essential nutrients that strengthen tooth enamel.
However, these lifestyle changes require consistent effort and education – something not all people or communities have access to.
Community programs like dental sealant initiatives can also help, especially for children. Sealants are thin coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth, preventing decay in high-risk areas. While effective, these programs are more resource-intensive and can’t replicate the broad, passive benefits of water fluoridation.
Ultimately, alternatives exist, but they place a greater burden on people and might not address the needs of the most vulnerable populations.
Should Fluoridation Be A Personal Choice?
The argument that water fluoridation takes away personal choice is one of the most persuasive stances against its use. Why not leave fluoride in toothpaste and mouthwash, giving people the freedom to use it or not, some argue.
This perspective is understandable, but it overlooks the broader goals of public health. Fluoridation is like adding iodine to salt or vitamin D to milk. These are measures that prevent widespread health issues in a simple, cost-effective way. Such interventions aren’t about imposing choices; they’re about providing a baseline of protection for everyone.
Without fluoridated water, low-income communities would bear the brunt of increased dental disease. Children, in particular, would suffer more cavities, leading to pain, missed school days and costly treatments. Public health policies aim to prevent these outcomes while balancing individual freedoms with collective well-being.
For those who wish to avoid fluoride, alternatives like bottled or filtered water are available. At the same time, policymakers should continue to ensure that fluoridation levels are safe and effective, addressing concerns transparently to build trust.
As debates about fluoride continue, the main question is how to best protect everyone’s oral health. While removing fluoride might appeal to those valuing personal choice, it risks undoing decades of progress against tooth decay.
Whether through fluoridation or other methods, oral health remains a public health priority. Addressing it requires thoughtful, evidence-based solutions that ensure equity, safety and community well-being.
