Q1: What is the small water system technical assistance program?

A1: The small water system technical assistance program was authorized by the 1996 Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, which required that States utilize 2% of their Federal capitalization grant from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to assist small water systems. New Jersey has opted to assist small water systems in three ways:

1. Free group training sessions provided on topics suitable for small water system operations
   
2. Site visits that include an overall review of the system and in many cases, address a specific problem at that system
   
3. DEP field personnel perform sampling that is not part of a system’s routine monitoring. Results have served as an indicator to DEP of system deficiencies or problems.

back to top

Q2: What is a small water system?

A2: The United States Environmental Protection Agency defines a small water system as one serving less than 10,000 persons.

back to top

Q3: How many small water systems are in New Jersey?

A3: Nearly two-thirds of the approximate 600 public community water systems serve less than 10,000 persons. Almost all of the approximate 4,000 public non-community water systems serve less than 10,000 persons. So, there are approximately 4,400 small water systems in New Jersey.

back to top

Q4: Where can I obtain information about the free group training sessions?

A4: NJDEP has contracted with the New Jersey Water Association (NJWA) to provide training under this program. NJWA is a non-profit association and a State affiliate of the National Rural Water Association. NJWA’s membership is largely composed of small water systems and therefore the training topics are mainly on issues impacting small water systems, but all are welcome at the training sessions. Training sessions are distributed equally throughout the Northern, Central, and Southern portions of the State. In addition, these training sessions are valid for operator license renewal credit. To register for or to obtain information about upcoming training seminars, go to www.njwater.org or contact NJWA at (609) 242-7111.

back to top

Q5: What activities may be performed at a site visit?

A5:

1. Review of system operation and maintenance
   
2. Review of certified operator status and provision of information on certified operator training
   
3. Review of system sampling schedule and sampling techniques
   
4. Guidance on specific compliance related water quality or treatment problems
   
5. Review and recommendations on financial records
   
6. Review of system’s source and distribution system protection
   
7. Review of data required for issuing a Consumer Confidence Report
   
8. Guidance in selecting appropriate technologies for small system needs
   
9. Guidance on SRF and other available financial assistance
   
10. Review of recordkeeping

back to top

Q6: How are systems identified for site visits?

A6: DEP gives priority to those public water systems with:

1. acute violations
   
2. monitoring and reporting problems or other Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) violations (including all Significant Non-Compliers)
   
3. the smallest and/or poorest communities or non-transient, non-community water systems

back to top

Q7: What is Significant Non-Compliance?

A7: A system that has violated one or more National Primary Drinking Water Regulation(s) repeatedly over an extended period of more than one monitoring period.

back to top

Q8: How do I request a free site visit?

A8: Contact Angela Corino or Alan S. Dillon at (609) 292-5550. DEP will give priority to systems that we have identified, but will make every effort to accommodate your request.

back to top

Q9: Are those systems identified by DEP on the priority list required to undergo a site visit?

A9: No. This program is voluntary and a water system may refuse assistance at any time.

back to top