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SMALL DRINKING WATER SYSTEM PEER REVIEW PROGRAM
Impact/Purpose:
The operation of water treatment systems is reviewed by experienced operators (the peers of the operator of the subject system) to provide individualized and helpful critiques for better and more efficient operation. This allows water systems to be assisted by their peers in an atmosphere of mutual support and concern, rather than the potentially adversarial relationship between system and regulator (state or EPA).
Description:
The United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc., which is made up of twenty-four (24) tribes, ranging in location, geographically, from Maine to Texas, AND three (3) states, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Georgia, participated in a program, "The Small Drinking Water System Peer Review Program (the Program)." The Program purpose was to evaluate the success of having technical assistance provided by a collegium and/or a person of a 'sister facility,' as opposed to an individual associated with 'a governmental agency,' someone just showing and imparting regulatory requirements, etc.
Results show that imparting such technical assistance, advice, skill and knowledge sets, using 'the Program,' i.e., one that promotes development and maintenance of collegial relationships, improves both worker skill sets and promotes the establishment of a working environment conducive to enhancing operational effectiveness, overall. - The EPA measures the latter, with one of its computer-based compliance tracking systems, and 'a well run drinking water system' maintains a higher compliant rate, and hence, a greater protection of human health and our environment.