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.

Plan to attend the Small Systems Program at ACE10 in Chicago!

News You Can Use:

• Wondering about US economic stimulus funds for water infrastructure? Read the Question of the Month in the March 2009 Opflow, and use these links for more information! Plus, check out the lists of which states are getting money, and how much, from the $2 billion allotment to the DWSRF.
• Check Up Program for Small Systems (CUPSS) is the USEPA's management tool, based on their Simple Tools for Effective Performance. It 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 publishes 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 USEPA.
• 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 USEPA.
• Small Utility Rates and Finances Excel Spreadsheet: A self-guided, interactive financial spreadsheet application designed to assist small systems. Instructions are in PDF format.

AWWA Resources:

• AWWA eLearning: See what courses can assist you in running an efficient and effective water system.
• Buy AWWA Manual M54 Developing Rates for Small Systems and other related resources in the AWWA Bookstore
• Buy AWWA Standards for Small Systems from the Bookstore or as downloads from The Water Library 
• Check out AWWA's array of Conferences and Education events 
• Members may browse through Opflow's "Question of the Month."
• Also check AWWA's Operator Assistance resources!