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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.
Tell it like it is {1/31/2008}
The EPA recently released the latest findings of its Clean Watersheds Needs Survey, or CWNS. The results are from a survey of wastewater and watershed-related systems conducted in 2004. It states that $202.5 billion is needed to control wastewater pollution in just a 20-year period. In addition, the EPA is preparing for the next survey, which starts taking data Tuesday (Feb. 5). This year, the survey is being conducted not only through the standard paperwork but online as well. The survey's aim is to help Congress figure out how to budget for wastewater systems' needs for the next two decades.In this edition of eBulletin, we'll fill you in on the CWNS program, the latest results and how you can participate in the newest survey.
The ABCs of NIMS and WARN {1/9/2008}
In this special edition of eBulletin, provided by the Rural Community Assistance Partnership’s Northeast partner and national office staff, we provide articles on the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and a special look at Pennsylvania’s Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (WARN). The NIMS article has information about courses you and your employees can take and why it’s important to obtain certification. The WARN system in Pennsylvania is a good example if you are thinking of getting your utility involved as part of a response network.
Breaking it to them gently {12/19/2007}
You’ve put it off. You’re worried the reaction won’t be good. Chances are they'll be fine, but reactions to increased water rates can be unpredictable. The key is to let customers know – in plain English – why they’re about to pay more for their water or wastewater service, how much they’ll pay and what they’ll get as a result. This edition of eBulletin will give you tips on how to do just that. By breaking the news clearly and concisely, you can avoid the riots – or more likely, most of the angry phone calls.
Tipping the (Budgetary) Scales {11/28/2007}
Tick, tock, tick, tock. The time is approaching to have those debits and credits in order, to know what will need repairs next year, what will need replacing and how you’re going to pay for all of it. It’s budget time. Before you pull your hair out trying to figure out those decimals, numbers and spreadsheets, let the eBulletin give you a few hints and tips to prepare the perfect, balanced budget.
Celebrating the Clean Water Act {10/31/2007}
The Clean Water Act had a big day recently. October 18 marked the 35th anniversary for the water pollution-control measure, which was passed as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act in 1972. Born from a river of fire, the act has undergone many changes over the years and likely faces many more. In this edition of eBulletin, we’ll revisit the Clean Water Act, the events that led to it, the impact it’s had and the challenges it faces now and for the future.
Getting the Lead Out {10/10/2007}
A nip here, a tuck there, and voila! New rules on lead in drinking water.
Too bad it’s never that easy. In fact, the new regulations recently finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency regarding the Lead and Copper Rule cover seven aspects, from testing frequency to public education. The new rules affect basically every system, including the smallest ones. In fact, the EPA estimates that 68,286 systems serving 10,000 customers or fewer will be affected by the changes in the new regulations. What are these changes? Sit back, relax and we’ll give you the basics on what it will soon entail to get the lead out.
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