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Managing Small Public Water Systems (RG-501)

This guide is for any person involved in the management or operation of a small public water system.

Managing Small Public Water Systems

This series of publications helps owners, managers, or operators of small water utilities understand and comply with rules and develop tools for planning and operation. You can download the entire document or view the individual parts as outline below.

Introduction ( RG-501) - Revised June 2017

Introduction to five-part series helping owners, managers, or operators of small water utilities understand and comply with rules and develop tools for planning and operation. Discusses other modules; resources and information on ordering materials.

Part A. Asset Management ( RG-501a) - Revised October 2016

Part A includes worksheets and instructions to help you conduct an inventory of the water system’s resources; prioritize repairs and replacements; plan for future needs; and develop a budget.

Part B. Source Assessment and Planning ( RG-501b) - Revised June 2017

Part B explains how to identify your utility’s drinking-water source; follow best-management practices for sustaining your source; and identify options for alternative sources, if needed.

Part C. Operation and Maintenance ( RG-501c) - Revised June 2017

Part C provides worksheets that help you create your own operation and maintenance manual for your utility and maps out a program for scheduling and performing preventive and general maintenance.

Part D. Compliance (RG-501d) - Revised August 2016

Part D describes how to prepare for an investigation; the investigation and enforcement process; identifies the violations that can lead to fines and enforcement; and provides tables that summarize the requirements for sampling, monitoring, and reporting.

Part E. Resources ( RG-501e) - Revised June 2017

Part E includes a listing of resources that may help you as you create and carry out your asset management plan and conduct everyday operations at your facility.

Asset Management Tools

  • Asset Management Spreadsheet Microsoft Excel Document - electronic worksheets that include individual tabs to help you inventory and prioritize assets, plan for maintenance, budget for improvements, and project revenue and expenses.

Small Business and Local Government Assistance

TCEQ's Small Business and Local Government Assistance section offers free, confidential help to small businesses and local governments working to follow state environmental regulations. Call us at (800) 447-2827 or visit our webpage at TexasEnviroHelp.org.