How the treatment plant optimization program works

Drinking water utilities of all sizes are invited to participate in the program, as long as they provide filtered surface water or groundwater and plan to optimize their treatment plants to improve performance. The treatment plant optimization program is comprised of four phases:

Phase I: Commitment

An honest commitment is required so that utilities are fully engaged in the optimization process.

Download Partnership for Safe Water Fact Sheet

Phase II: Baseline & Annual Data Collection

Baseline and annual data is submitted for inclusion in the Partnership for Safe Water's annual report and to measure improvement.

Download Baseline Data requirements
Download Annual Report requirements

Phase III: Self-Assessment

The Phase III Self-Assessment Completion Report is the basis for the Directors Award and reviewed by treatment plant optimization experts.

Download Updated Phase III Checklist (for use with 2015 version self-assessment guidance)

Note: The Partnership for Safe Water recently updated the program's treatment plant self-assessment guidance. Contact Partnership staff with questions and visit the Requirements and Reports page for additional details and information.

Phase IV: Fully Optimized System

Phase IV recognizes the highest level of optimization with exclusive Excellence in Water Treatment Award, and the Presidents Award, recognizing progress towards full optimization.

Presidents Award Guidelines
Phase IV Excellence in Water Treatment Award Guidelines

Reporting Data

Treatment plants are required to report turbidity data and optimization information as part of the program's Annual Reporting process.

Learn about Requirements and Reports