The 1996 reauthorization of the Safe Drinking Water Act required states to develop and implement a program to foster the technical, managerial and financial capacity of public water systems. Since Oct. 1, 1999, new systems that apply for a public water system identification number are required by rule to submit to a capacity approval process. Systems that received their public water system ID numbers prior to Oct. 1, 1999 are the focus of a voluntary strategy designed to help improve their capacity to deliver safe drinking water.

Elementary Business Plan/Capacity Development Application
New community and nontransient, noncommunity public water systems must provide an Elementary Business Plan, including supporting documentation for the Capacity Development Evaluation. This application outlines the requirements and provides the framework for this plan. The Drinking Water Section issues Elementary Business Plan Approval to the applicant for presentation to the Water Quality Division Engineering Review Staff or, when applicable, to a delegated county or entity, for the review and approval of plans and specifications for the operation of the new public water system.

Technical Assistance Program
As part of the capacity development strategy for existing systems, the department may be able to provide technical assistance to public water systems. Eligibility is based on many factors, including system size, population served and ownership type. ADEQ, in conjunction with the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA), can offer assistance ranging from site evaluations and training to low cost loans for infrastructure repair or improvement. Contact the Capacity Development Program for details.

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