hartcoenvironmental

From Overloaded to Optimized: How Teledyne Isco Flow Meters Helped UMJA Dramatically Cut Wastewater Flows

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 02:02:36 GMT

From Overloaded to Optimized: How Teledyne Isco Flow Meters Helped UMJA Dramatically Cut Wastewater Flows

When the Upper Montgomery Joint Authority (UMJA) in Montgomery County, PA was deemed hydraulically overloaded by the PADEP, they faced a massive challenge: reduce wet weather I&I—or risk major setbacks to operations, compliance, and future growth. Over the last decade, UMJA’s leadership team took bold action. And a critical part of that success? Accurate, field-deployed flow monitoring using Teledyne Isco meters.

Real Results Backed by Smart Metering

Those flow meters are key to finding those areas of leaking mains, laterals and even sump pump connections!

— Jennifer Leister, Executive Director, UMJAUMJA deployed Teledyne Isco flow meters throughout their collection system to:

Measurable Improvements:

44% reduction in average daily flow
32% reduction in peak 3-month flow
Only 1 SSO in 2023, down from 15 in 2018
Over $8.4 million invested in infrastructure rehab
Future development capacity unlocked

Thanks to consistent monitoring, thorough inspections, and proven technologies like CIPP lining and polyurea coatings, UMJA’s treatment plant eliminated wet weather bypasses and achieved sustainable compliance—all while extending the life of their infrastructure.

Real Partnerships. Real Impact.

We’re proud that Hartco Environmental and Teledyne Isco meters played a meaningful role in UMJA’s success. Our goal has always been to partner with engineers, municipalities, and operators across the Mid-Atlantic who need accurate, reliable, and long-term monitoring solutions. Thank you, Jennifer, and the entire UMJA team for your leadership and commitment to clean water and community service.

Revolutionizing Collection System Monitoring with SmartCover Systems Technologies

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 17:05:37 GMT

Real-Time Monitoring, Automated Analysis, Improved Efficiency for the Following Applications:

SmartCover Systems technologies is an innovative and award-winning tool that has been designed to revolutionize the monitoring of collection systems. By combining cutting-edge sensors, satellite communications, robust analytics, visual graphics, and a web-based interface, SmartCover Systems offers a powerful real-time monitoring system that enables accurate tracking of your collection systems problem areas.

SmartCover Systems uses patented sensors that are designed to detect changes in wastewater and sewage collection systems. These sensors are strategically placed at critical locations within the system, such as manholes, pump stations, and treatment plants.

The SmartCover sensors are highly advanced and can detect a variety of conditions, including changes in flow rate, depth, and temperature. They can also detect the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas, which is often an early warning sign of a blockage or other system issue.

One of the most significant benefits of SmartCover Systems technologies is its ability to provide real-time monitoring . This means that operators can quickly identify any issues within the sewer system and respond promptly, preventing costly repairs and minimizing the impact of system failures. This proactive approach can also reduce the need for manual inspection, improving the efficiency of the monitoring process and saving both time and money.

In addition to real-time monitoring, SmartCover Systems technologies software can automate data collection and analysis, providing a wealth of detailed information and data analytics. This data can be used to make informed decisions about the operation and maintenance of the sewer system, improving overall system efficiency and reducing the risk of environmental harm. By providing detailed information on discharge levels and trends, SmartCover Systems technologies can help operators meet regulatory requirements and avoid costly fines and penalties.

Another significant advantage of SmartCover Systems technologies is the alarming capabilities and remote access . Operators can be sent alarms and can access real-time data and monitoring information from anywhere, enabling them to respond quickly to any issues that arise. This feature can be especially useful during emergencies when immediate action is required.

In summary, the benefits of SmartCover Systems technologies software for monitoring collection system are:

Real-time monitoring: The software provides real-time data and monitoring of the sewer system, enabling quick identification of issues and prompt response.
Improved efficiency: The software can automate data collection and analysis, reducing the need for site visits, cleanings, manual inspection and improving the efficiency of the monitoring process.
Cost savings: By proactively identifying and addressing issues, the software can help prevent costly repairs and minimize the impact of system failures.
Compliance with regulations: The software can help ensure compliance with regulations related to discharge of wastewater and sewage into the environment.
Improved decision making: The software provides detailed information and data analytics, enabling informed decision making about the operation and maintenance of the sewer system.
Remote access: The software can provide remote access to data and monitoring information, enabling real-time monitoring and response from anywhere.

SmartCover Systems technologies is an advanced and highly effective tool for monitoring collection systems. By providing real-time monitoring, automation, compliance assurance, detailed data analytics, and remote access, it offers a comprehensive solution that can help operators improve efficiency, save costs, and protect the environment.

To learn more about SmartCover Systems, contact Hartco Environmental, and our team will be happy to assist you.

Jake Gurkin

Hartco Environmental
Tel. 856-324-0165
Fax. 856-324-0176

P.O. Box 8022
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
www.hartcoenvironmental.com

Serving the Tri-state and Greater Philadelphia Area since 1971 (including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Washington D.C.)

Teledyne Isco Wastewater Samplers are Being Used for PFAS Monitoring!

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 20:14:49 GMT

The presence of perfluoroalkyl & polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food, water, and consumer products is a persistent and growing concern due to their potentially harmful effects on health. With extremely strong carbon-fluorine bonds, PFAS do not easily biodegrade and are therefore known as “forever chemicals.”

Teledyne Isco Wastewater Samplers are Being Used for PFAS Monitoring. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals used in various products, including non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foam, and many more. As a result, PFAS can be found in various environmental sources, including drinking water and waste water. PFAS is a concern because it is persistent in the environment, has the ability to bioaccumulate, and has been linked to various health effects.

PFAS Sampling is the process of collecting and testing samples of water, soil, or other environmental media for PFAS. The samples are analyzed in a laboratory to determine the presence and concentration of PFAS. Sampling is critical for determining the extent of PFAS contamination and for making decisions on how to manage and clean up contaminated sites.

One important tool for PFAS sampling is Isco’s automatic waste water samplers. This device continuously collects and stores waste water samples over a specified period of time, providing a representative sample that accurately reflects the composition of the waste water stream. The automatic waste water sampler is programmed to collect samples at specific intervals, ensuring that the samples are collected consistently and accurately.

One of the benefits of using an Isco automatic waste water sampler is that it reduces the risk of human error during sample collection. Manually collecting samples can be time-consuming and prone to human error, such as collecting samples at the wrong time, not collecting enough sample, or contaminating the sample during collection. The automatic waste water sampler eliminates these potential sources of error and ensures that the samples are representative of the waste water stream.

PFAS sampling is an important tool for determining the presence and concentration of PFAS in the environment. The Isco waste water samplers are a valuable tool for collecting representative samples of waste water, reducing the risk of human error, and ensuring accurate and consistent sample collection.

By using the automatic waste water sampler, we can better understand and manage PFAS contamination in the environment. It is important to monitor PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in water for several reasons:

1. Health risks: PFAS can have toxic effects on human health, and long-term exposure to high levels of these chemicals has been linked to various health effects such as liver toxicity, thyroid disruption, cancer, low birth weight and infant mortality, immune system suppression, and hormone disruption.

2. Persistence in the environment: PFAS are persistent chemicals that do not break down easily in the environment and can accumulate in the food chain, making them a potential long-term threat to human health and the environment.

3. Wide use: PFAS chemicals have been widely used in various products, and as a result, they can be found in many environmental sources, including water, soil, and air.

4. Contamination sources: PFAS can enter water supplies from various sources, including industrial facilities, firefighting training areas, and landfills, making it important to monitor levels in water to assess the potential risk to human health and the environment.

5. Regulations: In recent years, there has been growing concern about the impacts of PFAS on human health and the environment, leading to regulations and guidelines being established to limit exposure to these chemicals. Monitoring PFAS in water helps ensure compliance with these regulations and protects public health and the environment.

In summary, monitoring PFAS in water is important because of the potential health risks associated with exposure, the persistence of these chemicals in the environment, their widespread use, and the need to assess and manage contamination sources.

There are several types of automatic water samplers that can be used to monitor PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) levels in water, including:

1. Composite samplers: Composite samplers collect multiple water samples over a set period of time and then mix them together to create a single sample for analysis. This type of sampler is often used for monitoring PFAS in surface water or drinking water sources.

2. Discrete samplers: Discrete samplers collect individual water samples at set intervals and preserve them for later analysis. This type of sampler is often used for monitoring PFAS in groundwater sources.

3. Time-integrating samplers: Time-integrating samplers continuously collect water over a set period of time and preserve it for later analysis. This type of sampler is useful for monitoring PFAS in wastewater or surface water sources.

It's important to note that the specific type of automatic water sampler used for monitoring PFAS levels will depend on the specific needs of the monitoring program, including the type of water source being sampled, the type of PFAS being targeted, and the desired sampling frequency. Additionally, it's important to choose a sampler that has been validated for PFAS analysis to ensure accurate and reliable results.

You can watch a in depth webinar on PFAS Sampling by clicking the link here !

In this webinar, Steve McManus, Senior Product Support Specialist, Teledyne ISCO, describes the most important PFAS sampling pitfalls and how to avoid them. You will learn about the following:

- What are PFAS, where do they come from, where are they going, and why?

- The evolution of regional, state, and federal rules for PFAS

- WWTPs are point sources for PFAS pollution

- Remediation options are severely limited and are still being researched

- The importance of staying well ahead of the PFAS regulatory curve

- Sampler options for various environments

- Known sources of sample contamination and how to avoid them

- Sampler programming considerations

- Ensuring your samples will always meet your analytical lab’s requirements

Feel free to contact Hartco Environmental with more questions on best practices for PFAS Sampling.

Jake Gurkin

Hartco Environmental
Tel. 856-324-0165
Fax. 856-324-0176

P.O. Box 8022
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
www.hartcoenvironmental.com

Serving the Tri-state and Greater Philadelphia Area since 1971 (including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Washington D.C.)

Teledyne Isco Automatic Samplers are Accurate and Reliable for COVID-19 Wastewater Sampling

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 20:27:56 GMT

COVID-19 Wastewater Based Tracking Technology

Hartco Environmental is proud to represent Teledyne Isco who manufactures automatic wastewater samplers that are being used to collect samples for COVID-19 testing. As the world continues to navigate the ongoing pandemic, it is more important than ever to have accurate and reliable testing methods in place to track the spread of the virus.

Isco’s automatic wastewater samplers are designed to collect samples from municipal and industrial wastewater systems. The samples are then analyzed for the presence of the virus, providing valuable information about the spread of COVID-19 in a community. This method of testing is particularly useful for identifying outbreaks in areas where traditional testing methods may not be feasible or practical. The most common samplers that we see used are Isco’s Model 6712 Series Samplers, 5800 Refrigerated Sampler and the GLS Compact Portable Sampler.

Isco samplers are designed to be easy to use and maintain, with minimal human interaction required. They are also built to withstand the harsh conditions of a wastewater environment, ensuring accurate and reliable results.

Hartco Environmental is proud to be a part of the effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and are committed to providing our customers with the best possible solutions. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our automatic wastewater samplers, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Check out this article here from the US Department of Homeland Security about COVID-19 Sampling.

Serving the Tri-state and Greater Philadelphia Area since 1971 (including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Washington D.C.)

Jake Gurkin

Hartco Environmental
Tel. 856-324-0165
Fax. 856-324-0176
P.O. Box 8022
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
www.hartcoenvironmental.com

Benefits of the Teledyne Isco Laserflow Open Channel Flowmeter

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 16:04:17 GMT

Benefits of the Teledyne Isco Laserflow Open Channel Flowmeter

The Teledyne Isco LaserFlow Meter is an innovative technology that measures level, velocity and flow rates in wastewater channels. This meter is designed for wastewater collection systems, permit enforcement, industrial pretreatment, and treatment plants. It's a cutting-edge open channel flow meter that provides accurate and reliable flow measurement for a wide range of applications. This state-of-the-art flow meter uses laser technology to measure the velocity of liquids in open channels, providing high-precision flow data in real-time.

Compared to other open channel flow meters, the Isco LaserFlow Meter offers several benefits, including:

Increased accuracy : The laser technology used in the Isco LaserFlow Meter provides incredibly accurate flow measurement, even in challenging conditions such as fast-moving water.
Non-contact measurement : Unlike other flow meters that require physical contact with the water, the Isco LaserFlow Meter sensor measures flow from a safe distance, reducing the risk of damage to the sensor.
Real-time data : The Isco LaserFlow Meter provides real-time flow data, allowing users to make immediate decisions based on the latest information.
Versatile applications : The Isco LaserFlow Meter can be used in a variety of applications
Permanent and portable flow measurement for CSO, SSO, I&I, SSEs, CMOM, and other sewer monitoring programs, Shallow flow measurement in varying pipe sizes
Wastewater treatment plant influent, process, and effluent flow measurement
Industrial process and discharge flow measurement
Stormwater conveyance and outfall
Irrigation canals and channels

You can watch a quick two minute video here about how the LaserFlow is installed and how it operates.

In conclusion, the Isco LaserFlow Meter is a leading-edge open channel flow meter that provides accurate and reliable flow measurement for a wide range of applications. With its advanced laser technology, real-time data, and ease of installation, the Isco LaserFlow Meter is a top choice for users looking for the best in flow measurement technology.

Feel free to contact Hartco Environmental with more questions on the Isco LaserFlow Meter.

Jake Gurkin

Hartco Environmental
Tel. 856-324-0165
Fax. 856-324-0176

P.O. Box 8022
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
www.hartcoenvironmental.com

Serving the Tri-state and Greater Philadelphia Area since 1971 (including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Washington D.C.)