Small Systems

This is an information service for dedicated small systems professionals who wish to provide the highest quality water possible. AWWA small systems serve communities of less than 17,500 people or less than 5,000 service connections.

News You Can Use:

• Check Up Program for Small Systems (CUPSS) is the US EPA's new management tool, based on their Simple Tools for Effective Performance.  This page contains case studies, free software, training, and other resources to help you perform asset management.
• The Environmental Finance Center (EFC) at Boise State University has developed the EFC Financial Dashboard, to use CUPSS data for strategic purposes.  The login/password feature protects your data, but there is no cost to use this model in your system!
• Have you used the Utilities Helping Utilities white paper to assist you in your WARN activities?  It is now available on our website in Spanish, thanks to RCAP!  See Ayuda y Asistencia Mucia today!
• National Rural Water Association carries the Rural Water Magazine online, and it's free!

Process Assistance:

• Arsenic Virtual Trade Show: Learn about arsenic treatment technologies with this tool, developed by the US EPA.
• RTW Corrosivity Index Calculator.
• Dechlorination Calculator: Use this Excel spreadsheet to calculate the gallons of water to dechlorinate, the amount of chlorine and dechlorination chemicals needed.
• Dose Spreadsheet: This dosage calculator for alum and lime/soda ash was sent in by Todd Richard, Chief Operator for Windsor, Nova Scotia.
• What materials are NSF-certified for public drinking water systems? Go to the NSF Website.
• Pipe Repair Checklist: As described in the July 2008 Opflow Question of the Month!
• Tank Volumes and Size Calculator.
• Calculate the volume in your horizontal cylindrical tank by going to the Horizontal Tank Volume Calculator.  Thanks, Paul Lutus!
• Look for free water audit software in the Water Loss Control Section of WaterWiser.

Management Assistance:

• Restructuring and Consolidation of Small Drinking Water Systems, EPA 816-B-06-006, October 2007:  Assistance for drinking water systems owners, operators and other decision-makers on how each state incorporates restructuring and consolidation efforts into their regulatory framework.
• CAP Self-Assessment Checklist: Use the Capacity Assistance Program (CAP) to better understand and meet your system's management, technical, and financial requirements.
• The Preventive Maintenance Card File from the US EPA.
• Small Utility Rates and Finances Excel Spreadsheet: A self-guided, interactive financial spreadsheet application designed to assist small systems. Instructions are in PDF format.

Additional Resources:

• On-line Institute: See what courses can assist you in running an efficient and effective water system.
• Members may browse through Opflow's "Question of the Month."

For information on how AWWA Small Systems can help you, or for other services we provide, please e-mail Pat Kline, Operations Engineer and Small Systems Division Technical Advisor, or call her at 303.347.6191.

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