Talking TWM: A Q&A With Our Water Infrastructure Group

TWM Contributors: Chad Ross, PE, and Curt Zurliene, PE

The Journey from Concept to Flow: Exploring the Science of Water

Every few months, we sit down with one of our engineering or surveying groups to get an inside look at what it’s like to work at TWM and how we provide Exceptional Service. Nothing Less.

This month, we’re highlighting Senior Project Manager Chad Ross, PE, and Project Engineer Curt Zurliene, PE from our water infrastructure group of engineers who have implemented some of the newest technologies in our treatment plant designs. With licensed Class A Water and Class 1 Wastewater operators on staff, we guide clients through the complexities of regulatory compliance and project financing, drawing on decades of experience working with federal, state, and local environmental agencies.

Q: What are the biggest challenges you face when designing water infrastructure systems?
Chad: One of the biggest challenges is navigating the right balance. We have to think about aging pipes and infrastructure, growing communities, and new regulations, while having limited resources. At the same time, our goal is to design systems that are reliable, cost-effective, and resilient enough to last for the people who depend on them every day.

Q: What recent advancements in technology are transforming water infrastructure projects?
Curt: Technology is certainly changing the way we design and manage water systems. Tools like smart sensors, survey devices, acoustic monitors, ground microphones, GIS mapping, and advanced modeling let us better predict system demands and even detect leaks faster. These innovations help us design with more accuracy, save money, conserve resources, and keep projects moving more efficiently.

Q: How do you balance environmental protection with development needs in water infrastructure?
Curt: When we design water infrastructure, we’re looking for solutions that support growth while protecting natural resources. That might mean using green infrastructure, improving stormwater management, or planning for systems that meet today’s needs and can still accommodate future capacity demands.

Q: Can you describe the process for designing a water pump station or treatment facility?
Chad: Designing a pump station or treatment facility is really about teamwork and planning. We start by understanding the community’s needs—whether it’s growth, operational concerns, or a mixture of both—then layer in site conditions, regulations, and efficiency goals. From there, it’s a mix of engineering design, collaborating with stakeholders, and refining details until the facility is safe, reliable, and built to serve long-term.

Q: What role does data play in improving water infrastructure design and maintenance?
Curt: Data collection and analysis are such important factors in how we design and maintain water infrastructure. Most of the infrastructure is underground and the problems are hidden from us. From flow monitoring to leak detection, data collection is an important tool to help us spot issues early, make smarter design decisions, and plan maintenance before problems become costly. It’s really the difference between being reactive and being proactive.

Q: How do regulatory requirements influence water infrastructure project design?
Chad: Regulations shape almost every part of water infrastructure design. These standards are set for safety, water quality, and environmental protection, so our job is to design solutions that meet those rules while still being practical and cost-effective. I think of it as the framework that shapes how people and communities can trust that water systems are safe to use, work the way they should, and remain durable for long periods of time.

Q: What are some common misconceptions about water infrastructure engineering?
Chad: One big misconception is that water infrastructure is “out of sight, out of mind”—people only think about it when something goes wrong. In reality, it takes constant planning, monitoring, and maintenance to keep water safe and systems running smoothly. Another misconception is that all systems are the same, when really, every community has unique challenges that require customized design solutions.

Q: What considerations are made for future scalability in water infrastructure projects?
Chad: When we design water systems, we’re always thinking ahead. We continually plan for future growth, population changes, and consider new technology. Having the ability to expand or adapt infrastructure without major disruptions is key to building something that works for today and will be ready for tomorrow.

Q: What strategies do you use to minimize disruption to the community during construction?
Curt: We know construction can be disruptive, so our team plans carefully to keep it as smooth as possible. That means clear communication with the client and community, coordinating work and staff schedules, and phasing projects to minimize impacts on traffic and accessibility. Our goal is to get the work done efficiently while keeping people informed about the process.

Q: What are the key factors in selecting materials for water infrastructure projects?
Chad: Overall, we look at durability, safety, and long-term performance. Cost, availability, and maintenance are important too, but it’s really about choosing materials that fit specific project requirements. This usually includes both operational conditions like water quality, pressure, and flow rates, and the installation environment such as site conditions, climate, and exposure to the elements. Our team typically conducts a comprehensive evaluation to determine the most suitable materials that meet system demands and will keep the system running reliably for years to come.

Q: What do you predict for the future of water infrastructure engineering?
Chad: I think we’ll see smarter, more connected water systems in the future—using data, sensors, and digital technologies like AI to better model the infrastructure, prevent issues before they happen, and make systems for communities more resilient. Sustainability and adaptability will continue to be key drivers in every project we design. Some examples of this include modernizing aging systems with updated materials, enhancing water reuse and recycling capabilities, employing nature-based solutions that work with the environment, and prioritizing leak detection methods are all essential solutions to ensure reliable water access for future generations.

About TWM’s Water Infrastructure Group
A recognized leader in water and wastewater engineering, TWM provides facility planning and design services for a wide range of projects—meeting or exceeding EPA standards, NPDES permit limitations, and client demands for innovation, ease of operation, and maintenance. We have similar expertise designing wastewater interceptors, collection systems, sanitary sewer modifications (force mains, gravity flow, lift stations), the separation of combined sewers into storm and sanitary sewers, water towers, and water distribution systems. Our engineers also deliver hydraulic/hydrologic analyses and reports, stormwater modeling, stormwater management and system design, detention/retention facility design, dam design and inspection, flood plain studies, erosion control solutions, and stormwater pollution prevention plans. On every project, we focus on cost savings, sustainability, and long-term value, whether it’s for storage and distribution, treatment, or managing stormwater.

Our typical water infrastructure projects include: