Small Systems Implementation Working Group

Teleconference - August 24, 1999

August 24, 1999

Executive Summary

The NDWAC Small Systems Implementation Working Group met via teleconference on August 24, 1999. The purpose of the teleconference was to determine whether seven draft issue papers formed an acceptable basis for deliberations leading to the working group's eventual recommendations to the full NDWAC. Each issue paper contained an issue statement, background, and a range of possible recommendations. The issues are:

• Unsustainable Systems
• Mechanisms for Sharing the Cost of Water Service (formerly known as Universal Service)
• Water System Institutional Structures (formerly known as Institutional Structures)
• Regulatory Institutional Structures and Processes (formerly known as Continuous Improvement to EPA Regulations and Guidance)
• Training and Education for Managing Bodies
• Public Awareness
• Capacity Development Strategy

There were two specific goals for the teleconference. The first goal was to determine whether or not there was general consensus on the statement of each issue. The second goal was to determine if each paper presented an acceptable range of possible recommendations. The merits of each recommendation were not discussed on the call, but will be discussed at the next meeting in October.

Unsustainable Systems. Members decided to truly narrow the issue and the options to cover only those systems that could not achieve self-sufficiency even after "all the other tools in the toolbox" had been used. Some of the options currently presented will therefore be moved to the Capacity Development Strategy paper.

Mechanisms for Sharing the Cost of Water Service. Some members felt that subsidies to individuals should not be discussed at the national policy level. Members also discussed the difference between assistance to communities and systems versus assistance to individual ratepayers. Following group discussion, it was decided that the issue statement be clarified with respect to the concepts of cost sharing and subsidy and that an additional option would be added. This additional recommendation would serve to nullify the issue at a national policy level.

Water System Institutional Structures. The working group was generally comfortable with the issue and range of recommendations.

Regulatory Institutional Structures and Processes. The working group was comfortable with the issue statement. Additional recommendations that were suggested include having balance between enforcement actions and incentives on the part of regulators, and expanding the discussion on Federal agencies and public utilities commissions.

Training and Education of Governing Bodies. The members were generally comfortable with the issue and range of recommendations, with some minor edits.

Public Awareness. Members were generally comfortable with the issue statement. Suggestions for additional recommendations included a discussion of conservation efforts and possible follow-up activities to Consumer Confidence Reports.

Capacity Development Strategy. Members were comfortable with the statement of the issue. The suggestion was made to add utility-level activities to the recommendations. It was agreed that the working group recommendations could be used to inform the ongoing process of Strategy development and implementation. Members also expressed an interest in receiving additional information on current activities in the State Strategy development process.

The next working group meeting will be held October 20 and 21, 1999 in Albuquerque NM. Members agreed that the relative merits of all the proposed recommendations will be the focus of the meeting in New Mexico.

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