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Water Headlines for April 21, 2008Benjamin H. Grumbles Water Headlines is a weekly on-line publication that announces publications, policies, and activities of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Water. In This Week’s Water Headlines:
Giving Small Water Systems a Free Check UpEPA is rolling out an important management tool for small drinking water and wastewater systems. Today at the National Rural Water Association Rally, Administrator Stephen L. Johnson announced the availability of Check Up Program for Small Systems (CUPSS). This user-friendly computer-based program assists owners and operators in developing and using plans for maintaining their systems and providing service to their customers. Administrator Johnson emphasized that CUPSS, with the support of our partners, will make a difference and help bridge the growing financial gap faced by small drinking water and wastewater systems as they repair, and replace infrastructure. The program uses information provided on the system’s assets, operation and maintenance activities and financial status to produce a prioritized asset inventory, financial reports and a customized asset management plan. Asset management programs support informed budget discussions, boost efficiency of the utility, and improve customer service by ensuring clean and safe water at competitive prices. CUPSS was developed by the Office of Water as part of the agency’s Sustainable Infrastructure Initiative. The effort received input from a large stakeholder workgroup, including representatives from several states, the National Rural Water Association, the Rural Community Assistance Partnership, and Environmental Finance Centers. The CUPSS program and all supporting materials are available for immediate download. Kits including the material will also be available in May. For more information on CUPSS, including program downloads and ordering information, visit http://www.epa.gov/cupss. EPA’s newly updated web site for small public water systems is available at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/smallsystems. Teaming Up for Rural Water EfficiencyOn April 21, 2008, EPA's Office of Water and the National Rural Water Association signed a proclamation in Washington, DC on rural water efficiency and conservation. The two organizations commit to work together to reduce water waste and inefficiency and increase awareness of the value of water. "Water is too precious to waste so we're excited about this timely partnership to reduce the leaks and save water, energy, and money," said Benjamin H. Grumbles, Assistant Administrator for Water. State Water Security Program FundingEPA is making nearly $5 million available to state and territorial agencies to support critical water infrastructure protection efforts. Each state will receive a minimum of $50,000 and each territory will receive at least $16,700. EPA has made close to $35 million in state and territorial assistance available since 2002. States and territories are encouraged to use grant funds for activities and strategies that assist in implementing security enhancements including improving the readiness of individuals and groups involved in first response at drinking water systems, providing training on emergency response and recovery plans, and promoting the development of mutual aid compacts among water utilities in their state. Information about the grants is available at http://cfpub.epa.gov/safewater/watersecurity/financeassist.cfm Water Quality Standards Academy: Basic Course in DC areaAre you relatively new to the Water Quality Standards Program, or do you work in a related program that requires basic knowledge of water quality standards? The Office of Science and Technology's Water Quality Standards Academy will hold a Basic Course in Arlington, VA (just outside of D.C.) July 21-25, 2008. The Basic Course is an introductory training course on water quality standards designed for those with fewer than six months of experience with standards. Others may also benefit from the course, including veterans of the water quality standards program who seek a refresher on aspects of standards. For further information and to apply for admission to the course online, please go to: http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/standards/academy.html. Subscribe to Water HeadlinesPlease forward this message to your friends and colleagues who share an interest in water-related issues and would like to hear from EPA’s Office of Water. To subscribe to the Water Headlines listserve: Send an email message, leave the subject line blank, and address it to: In the body of the message write: Subscribe Water Headlines first name last name (Please leave one blank space between each word, do not include any other message, and use your actual name- i.e. Subscribe Water Headlines Robert Jones)
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