CWS’s Strike Team Ensures Highest Standards for Operational Excellence

The CWS Strike Team, created to ensure that our company’s solutions consistently align with the highest standards for operational excellence, is tackling challenges for various clients.  

The Strike Team started its work in 2024 with a team of experienced utility professionals from across the company’s footprint. It brings decades of collective expertise, including hands-on experience operating multiple treatment facilities, and employs a comprehensive approach to improving efficiency. Through site visits, staff interviews, and detailed reviews of process control data, the team provides actionable recommendations to field operations teams. Working collaboratively with field operators, the Strike Team helps address treatment challenges and offers practical guidance rooted in extensive operational knowledge. Their role has since expanded to focus on driving efficiencies that support budgetary goals without compromising performance.

A recent success story that highlights the team’s impact comes from Williamston, South Carolina. The town’s wastewater treatment facility had faced ongoing challenges in meeting E. coli limits without relying on costly polymers. These polymers were initially introduced when the facility began processing landfill leachate, which disrupted the UV disinfection system.

The Strike Team began its work by conducting a thorough review of the facility’s historical data and operational strategies. They then partnered with the local operations team to identify system needs and challenges. Within just a month of implementing the team’s recommendations, significant improvements have been realized. The facility eliminated polymer usage, reduced caustic feed rates, and adopted a more cost-effective alternative: sodium aluminate. This new chemical not only adjusts pH levels but also offers flocculation properties, enhancing treatment efficiency. If these changes continue to perform as expected, the facility is projected to reduce operational costs by more than $10,000 annually.

According to Strike Team member, Chris Thomas, “This is a double win for the local CWS team.  Not only are they using a cheaper flocculant, but we are also saving money by reducing the amount of caustic being fed.”

The CWS Strike Team is currently comprised of Brady Graves, Chris Thomas, Robert Nichols, and Adam Bonomo. If you would like to be involved with the Strike Team meetings, or have an operational issue that needs to be addressed, please contact your manager or Chris Thomas directly at chris.thomas@clearwatersolutions.com.