Archived articles are in reverse order, with the most recent at the top. Click on an article headline to view it. Articles displayed here require you to be a subscriber of the Safe Water Trust eBulletin. If you are not a subscriber, please click here.
To search the archives, please click here.
The Connection: Water and Energy Security {8/27/2008}
The energy security of the United States is closely linked to the state of its water resources. No longer can water resources be taken for granted if the U.S. is to achieve energy security in the years and decades ahead. At the same time, U.S. water security cannot be guaranteed without careful attention to related energy issues. The two issues are inextricably linked, as this article will discuss.
Are water systems a terrorist target? {8/6/2008}
Threats to drinking water supplies are not new. Almost every water supply system is at risk to natural hazards, such as floods, drought, earthquakes, landslides, storms, and high winds. Consequently, many systems already have emergency preparedness plans in place. In most cases, though, unless the system actually experienced an emergency, the plans just simply take up shelf space. But now a different menace threatens the nation’s drinking water systems. One that’s making operators everywhere pull out their emergency planning manuals—if they have them—and wipe off the dust. With everything else they have to worry about, frustrated water suppliers, regardless of their system’s size, must add the risk of terrorism to their emergency preparedness plans—just in case.
CUPSS Runneth Over {7/16/2008}
Credits, debits, new equipment, old equipment, repairs, upgrades...it's a lot to keep straight.
The Environmental Protection Agency has created a tool to help water systems keep all aspects of asset management straight. It's the Check Up Program for Small Systems (CUPSS).
This edition of eBulletin will give you a basic idea of what CUPSS is, how it works and how it can help your water system.
Board Building Blocks {6/25/2008}
A successful water or wastewater system isn’t just about equipment, water sources, treatment systems or finances. It’s also about who’s in charge. In many cases, water and wastewater systems are run by a board of directors.
This edition of eBulletin will touch on the general responsibilities for these boards, tips on how best to run meetings and the water system and a few resources available to assist board members.
Guidelines for Utility Office Security {6/4/2008}
One of the most important functions and one performed frequently is dealing with customers and members of the public. While it’s important to ensure accessibility for customer questions, complaints, paying of bills, etc., it’s also important to ensure that personal and office security are maintained. This edition of eBulletin offers a few tips on office security.
Crunch time {5/14/2008}
Gas prices are flirting with $4 a gallon. Food prices are up. Clothing prices are up. Energy prices, yeah, up. Chances are, so are your expenses. With prices and expenses rising all around you, it may be time to re-evaluate your utility’s rates. Are your current customer rates sufficient? Are you short of funds to make basic infrastructure repairs? Should you charge full-cost pricing or try to supplement the costs with outside sources? In this edition of eBulletin, we’ll review some definitions, rates, rules and tips for rural water systems.
This Is Your Water…on Drugs? {4/23/2008}
There have been several articles and reports over the last few years suggesting that pharmaceuticals were making their way into the nation’s water supply. But the topic garnered national attention when The Associated Press (AP) ran a multi-story package in mid-March. So how dangerous is this? What has been the response? What’s the best way to get rid of drugs if not to flush them? This edition of eBulletin tackles those questions and concerns.
RCAP Helps Utilities Join Mutual Aid Networks {4/2/2008}
RCAP supports mutual aid agreements called Water/Wastewater Agency Response Networks, or WARNs. For several years, the RCAP network has been extensively involved in facilitating the formation of mutual aid agreements between water and wastewater utilities.
Possible Gaps in Small Systems’ General Security Thinking {3/12/2008}
RCAP and other small community assistance group such as the National Environmental Services Center (NESC) and Office of Community Services (OCS) believe that there may still be gaps in the way managers of small water and wastewater systems think about security. Now in the second year of the 3-year project funded by OCS; RCAP and NESC are finding some of those gaps.
Surveying the (financial) landscape {2/20/2008}
The EPA's Clean Watershed Needs Survey, or CWNS, has begun and will continue through October 27. The survey's information is compiled into a report for Congress to give legislators an idea of how much money federal programs should get to help pay for infrastructure improvements nationwide. The EPA is pushing to get more participation from small systems, since they make up the majority of water and wastewater systems in the country. In this eBulletin, we'll tell you what you'll need for the survey and take you step-by-step through its completion.
|
Stay on top of news and information regarding community water and wastewater systems by subscribing to our eBulletin. 