Karen Mancl, Professor Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Ohio State University
Terry Beck, Wayne County Extension Agent, Ohio State University Extension
Ron Veley, U.S. Geological Survey
Before exploring the components of a water system, discuss in small groups the following questions about the expectations for water systems in small communities.
Imagine traveling outside the United States.
In what parts of the world would you feel free to drink the water?
Where in the world can you always turn on the faucet and have enough water to wash clothes or take a shower?
In your community, what do people expect from their water supply?
Do they expect their water will always be safe to drink?
Do they expect to always have enough water to meet their needs?
Do they expect their water to be pleasant to use?
Who should be able to supply water in your community? (Rank in order of importance)
____Private wells are able to provide enough water of acceptable quality
____Whoever can provide the community water at the lowest price
____Whoever can develop an adequate and protected source of water for the community
____Whoever can be counted on to make sure the water in the community is safe to use
____Whoever can be relied on to provide adequate water supplies to support community development.
____The community must maintain control of water supply to control its economic destiny.
In a small town who is responsible for providing safe water?
Individual wells are private. The water supply quality, protection, and reliability are the responsibility of the land owner.
When a water system supplies 25 or more people or to 15 or more service connections (such as homes, schools, or businesses), the system becomes a community water system and the responsibility of the community or other owner. Community water providers have several important responsibilities. They must:
What is the responsibility of local elected officials in providing safe water?
If water is provided as a part of a municipal utility
—Local officials become water providers.
If a private provider is supplying water in the community
—Local officials enter into contracts and provide oversight for water service in representing the interests of the community.