Enhancements to Small Water Systems through Automation

摘要

More than 94% of America’s estimated 150,000 public water systems are defined by the U.S.rnEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) as small systems serving less than 3,300 people. Therefore, thernnecessity of equitable solutions to develop, improve, maintain, and finance safe drinking water utilities isrnan enduring subject in the dynamic growth of America. Most small systems are physically isolated andrnstruggle with the inability to support a full-time operations specialist, leading to difficulty sustaining orrnorganizing safe, reliable public works. The unique challenges stemming from limited customer base,rninsufficient financing, and technical management have led to programs sponsored by local, state, andrnfederal governments to ensure public health and well being as communities grow into the 21st century.rnThis paper will examine the factors involved with improving and meeting the growing demand for safernand clean drinking water, including economics, challenges to start and maintain, roles played by localrncommunity figures, available technologies, and technical assistance provided by private and institutionalrntraining through official publications and workshops. However, this paper will primarily address thernrange of controls and automation technologies available to improve what may currently be used by smallrnsystems.rnAn underlying purpose of the 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) amendments is to address specificrncapacity development and define a fundamental intention to assist small systems in complying withrnincreasing EPA regulations and rising consumer expectations. The need for this added support andrnservices to small systems has continued to grow as the economy and current events related to homelandrnsecurity have led to enhanced concerns regarding a secured infrastructure.rnDevelopment grant and planning programs in which federal, state, and small system providers orrnrepresentatives work together to realize the SDWA public health objectives have been establishedrnthroughout America. The programs have goals to ensure all small systems have the resources andrnknowledge to build safe, effective, and suitable capacity for their customers.