Compliance Help

1. Source Water Protection
   This is the first barrier against drinking water contamination. It is important to evaluate:

   • Source water quality.
   • Potential protection measures (e.g., installing security around the water supply, posting notices in the watershed area, or organizing volunteers to conduct source water monitoring).
   • Associated costs.

2. Replace or Modify an Existing Source
   Some systems may have access to another, higher quality water source, or they may be able to make improvements to existing, low-quality sources. It is important to evaluate:
   • The availability and location of alternative sources.
   • The quantity and quality of alternative water sources.
   • Associated costs.

3. Blend Source Water
   Systems that have multiple sources may be able to mix these waters prior to distribution to lower contaminant concentrations. (Note: this activity may not be permitted in every state.) It is important to evaluate:
   • The availability of other sources.
   • The impact of blending on water quantity, quality, and flow rates.
   • Additional measures (e.g., replacing pumps) needed to ensure compliance.
   • Associated costs.

4. Restructure
   Restructuring may involve changes to the operational, managerial, or institutional structure of a water system, from informal arrangements (e.g., sharing equipment with another water system) to major changes (e.g., interconnection with another water system). It is important to evaluate:
   • Available restructuring options.
   • Which options ensure long-term compliance and financial stability.
   • Associated costs.

• System Partnership Solutions to Improve Public Health Protection Volume I (PDF) (12 pp, 784K) and Volume II (PDF) (10 pp, 204K)
  (VI: EPA 816-R-02-022, September 2002; VII: EPA 816-R-06-005, October 2006) Case studies of water systems that partnered to implement cost-effective, long-term solutions to public health and capacity challenges.


• Restructuring and Consolidation of Small Drinking Water Systems: A Compendium of State Authorities, Statutes, and Regulations (PDF) (61 pp, 1.2MB)
  (EPA 816-B-07-001, October 2007) State-by-state overview of authorities on restructuring and consolidation.

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Treatment Options

• Point-of-Use or Point-of-Entry Treatment Options for Small Drinking Water Systems (PDF) (132 pp, 792K)
  (EPA 815-R-06-010, April 2006) A one-stop resource on regulatory, compliance, cost, and installation issues, case studies of communities that have installed POU and POE devices, and more.
• Cost Evaluation of Point-of-Use and Point-of-Entry Treatment Units for Small Systems: Cost Estimating Tool and Users Guide
  A companion tool to the Treatment Options Guide for modeling operations and maintenance (e.g., maintenance, monitoring, and public education) and capital costs (e.g., purchase, installation, and permitting).
  • Users Guide (PDF) (37 pp, 150K) (EPA 815-B-07-001, April 2007)
  • Tool (Excel) (410K) Download a free Microsoft Excel viewer

2. Install Centralized Treatment
   For some small systems, centralized treatment may be the only option to comply with EPA regulations. It is important to evaluate:
   • Which treatment can best address compliance problems.
   • Implications for and availability of treatment residual disposal options.
   • Operator skill level required to run the equipment.
   • Associated installation and operation and maintenance costs.
   • Residual handling and disposal costs.

• Small Systems Compliance Technology List for the Surface Water Treatment Rule
  An evaluation of the performance and limitations of common filtration and disinfection technologies.


• Arsenic Virtual Trade Show
  In-depth information on treatment technologies, compliance options, and identifying and choosing a treatment vendor.


• Removing Multiple Contaminants from Drinking Water: Issues to Consider (PDF) (poster 30 x 20 inches, 1 pg, 367K)
  (EPA 816-H-07-004, December 2007) A detailed poster identifying treatment technologies that remove multiple contaminants, including information on contaminants removed, operational and waste disposal issues, and helpful tips.

3. Variances and Exemptions
   Some states may extend compliance deadlines for systems that are unable to install treatment by the required deadline or that are unable to meet a drinking water standard.

• Variances and Exemptions: A Quick Reference Guide (PDF) (4 pp, 112K)
  (EPA 816-F-04-005, September 2004) An overview of the options for meeting an alternate maximum contaminant level (variance) or extending compliance deadlines (exemptions).

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Additional Resources

• State Capacity Development Programs
  Information for small systems specific to your state, including compliance assistance and local training opportunities


• Operator Certification
  Information on state and system requirements for ensuring that system operators have the proper qualifications and technical knowledge for routine operation and emergency response.


• Sustainable Infrastructure Initiative
  Information on helping systems implement better management practices, water efficiency strategies, full-cost pricing, and watershed protection programs.


• Partners
  Information on organizations and programs that provide free or low-cost technical and financial assistance for small water systems.


• Training
  Visit EPA's Drinking Water Academy for information on upcoming EPA trainings and to download materials from past trainings and workshops.

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