SmallWaterSupply.org Newsletter - September 19, 2012

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Newsletter #95 for September 19, 2012

The Perennial Hot Topic: Fluoride

While fluoride addition is in the news again, some water supplies face the challenge of naturally elevated levels. Check out our forum for an interesting and challenging situation of elevated natural fluoride.

In a too-common scenario, a regulated entity broke up into small entities to attempt to avoid meeting the minimum definition of a PWS. Your input is requested on the topic of fluoride treatment for the regulators assisting this community.

Click here to visit the forum and respond to the questions. Note that a site login is required to reply, though you may email your response to info@smallwatersupply.org if you prefer.

Small Talk: Outreach Tip of the Week

Help local decision makers better serve your system by encouraging them to attend board member training, even if its not required. Share helpful resources like RCAP's The Big Guide for Small Systems: A Resource for Board Members and those featured in this blog post to get the discussion started.

Each week, we're sharing a quick tip to help you educate the public and communicate more effectively with local decision makers and customers.

Weekly Reading for September 19, 2012

Each week we'll provide a collection of our favorite links we know you'll love too!

▪ Seasonal changes for wastewater treatment - As the temperature drops, are you making the needed treatment adjustments?
▪ Vilsack notes more help is needed for rural America - Ag secretary highlights infrastructure progress as well as challenges ahead.
▪ Why Americans are not talking about the water infrastructure crisis - Though this is an editorial, it mentions some interesting statistics.
▪ 5 'Can't Miss' Opportunities At WEFTEC - Upcoming association conference will be the biggest in it's history.

Test Your Knowledge: The Answer

Last week's question was:

How many National Primary Drinking Water Regulations are there?

The correct answer is 71.

Video of the Week

In each week's newsletter, we highlight an excellent video worth watching. That video is also be featured on our home page during the week. Visit our archive for past features.

This week's video explains how a lockout/tagout program can help keep your organization's employees safe.

Lockout/Tagout: Your Key to Safety

Asset Management Tip

Art Astarita, RCAP Solutions, posted this insightful nugget to the CUPSS listserv recently:

"If there is a lot of hand-wringing on how to get systems to do asset management, use a golden rule: Use a Simple Template, Keep the Template Consistent and Make the Template a Routine. The CUPSS asset import template fits the rule.

Inventory and equipment conditioning is at least 50% of the TOTAL CUPSS process. However, having a replacement schedule with cost estimates is the 90% goal of an asset management plan. The other 10% is scheduling and conducting a preventative maintenance program."

SmallWaterSupply.org Calendar

Upcoming Free Webinars

October 4 - USEPA: Water Quality Standards 101
In this webinar, you will learn how to use water quality standards to protect water resources. It is aimed at states, territories, tribes, environmental groups, industrial groups, municipalities, the academic community, federal agencies, watershed groups and any other interested parties.

Want to find additional training opportunities for operators, including events in your area? Search the SmallWaterSupply.org Calendar for more online and in-person events.

Recently at SmallWaterSupply.org

Common Source Water Deficiencies
Find out what source water deficiencies are most common in sanitary surveys.

Protecting Water Resources with a Geographic Response Plan
A Geographic Response Plan is a visual tool to help first responders during emergencies.

Grant funding in action for tribal water needs
Tribes are eligible for funding under a variety of USDA programs.

Opportunity for Comment on CCR Delivery

As part of USEPA's effort to review the Consumer Confidence Report regulation, the Agency has opened public comment on potential approaches to electronic delivery of the CCR. Learn more.

New Tribal Interest Group

We're excited about the ideas we have for this and look forward to connecting with tribal operators and utility managers as well as those organizations serving tribes. If you've not yet indicated your interest, please sign up for our interest group.

SmallWaterSupply.org is a free service, grant-funded to support small community water and wastewater operators with comprehensive resources and information in one easy-to-use place. We also serve the 800+ training, primacy, and technical service organizations, by helping operators get to their information. We aren't buying, selling, or advertising anything. You can call us at 1-866-522-2681 if you need assistance.

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