New RCAP training module

Septic System Basics for Homeowners, Community Leaders, Planners and Realtors

This training module covers:

• Why wastewater treatment and septic systems are important
• How a septic system works and what each component does
• How to take care of a septic system and keep it at proper operating levels
• Proper location of a septic system on property and the importance of soil
• Variations on septic systems that can be used in challenging locations

This new resource is a collection of files that will equip a community leader or outside trainer to present a live, classroom-style training on septic system basics for homeowners, community leaders, planners and realtors. It is not necessarily designed for any member of these groups to read as an individual, although that can be done. The training is being adapted into other forms that are more suitable for individual reading:

• A three-part article featured this year in RCAP's electronic newsletter, A Drop of Knowledge
• A printed guide, due later in 2013

Infographic showing the connection between water systems and job creation

Effectively Managing Your Water System (Construction) Project

This training module is designed for a trainer or community leader who can deliver a training session using a PowerPoint show. This presentation is meant to be delivered to community leaders, such as the town council or the governing body of a drinking water or wastewater system. Staff of a city or existing water system would benefit from it as well.

The PowerPoint presentation introduces communities to the most effective ways of managing a project - constructing a new drinking water or wastewater system or developing an existing one. It provides basic how-tos and tips on many of the aspects of a large project that communities need to consider and be prepared for - including determining technical requirements, financing, meeting the requirements of funders, managing a system, and hiring engineers and other outside paid and unpaid consultants. It is a good introduction for all those who will have some involvment in a large construction project and is ideal to use before the community embarks on a project.

Effectively Managing Your Water/Wastewater System

This training module is designed for a trainer or community leader who can deliver a training session using a PowerPoint show. This presentation is meant to be delivered to community leaders, such as the town council or the governing body of a drinking water or wastewater system. Staff of a city or existing water system would benefit from it as well.

This PowerPoint presentation introduces communities to best management practices - what they are and how to implement them. The best management practices it discusses are:

• written operation & maintenance (O&M) manuals
• standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• benchmarking programs
• plans for operator training, retention, and recruitment
• tools to assure financial sustainability, including asset management, viable rates, and integrated planning and budgeting