WATER SYSTEMS

WATER SYSTEMS FOR SMALL COMMUNITIES is a three-session workshop designed for local leaders, agency officials, and interested citizens as an introduction to "putting together the pieces of the puzzle" for constructing, staffing, operating, maintaining, and improving a community water system.

Session I
Putting Together the Pieces of a Community Water System presents the types of water-supply alternatives, the various methods of treatment, the regulations that are imposed, the methods of distribution and storage, and the management and operation of a water facility.

     Materials:

     “Water Systems for Small Communities - A Puzzle Guide for Local Officials”
     ( Bulletin 910 http://ohioline.osu.edu/b910/index.html )

     "Providing safe, reliable drinking water in a community is an involved process. Many elements must come together to ensure that a community has the capacity to develop and sustain a water system.

     "The big picture is sometimes overwhelming to local leaders as they work to make the right decisions for their community. In this program, the important components of a water system have been laid out as the pieces of a puzzle. They indeed fit together to serve the customers. If a piece is missing, the customer immediately or eventually suffers.

     "The puzzle and workbook were developed by a team of water supply, community service, and educational professionals from the Ohio Small Communities Environmental Infrastructure Group. The puzzle and workbook serve as one guide through a small community water system."

Session II
Exploring the Needs of Your Community Water System is a field trip visit to water supply treatment facilities that involves focused discussions with system managers.

     Materials:

     “Exploring Your Community Water System Needs Assessment Interviews and Data Gathering for Local 
     Officials”
     ( Bulletin 913-05 http://ohioline.osu.edu/b913/ )

     "This workbook presents your community’s water system in 35 pieces of one big picture. Your assignment is to visit and talk to people in your community about the water system. The workbook is divided into five sections to organize your visits."

Session III
Assessing Community Needs and Gathering Resources incorporates a group exercise to further understand Community Needs and the gathering of resources necessary to

     Materials:

     “Woodsville Water World - A water system adventure game”
     ( Bulletin 914-06 http://ohioline.osu.edu/b914/ )

     "Planning, financing, constructing, and operating a water system for a small community can be overwhelming for local officials. This workbook and game moves through the five areas of water supply development. In an engaging way, players learn the merits of some pathways and the pitfalls along others."