Joyce Gray, Technical Assistance Provider,
Great Lakes Rural Community Assistance Program
Karen Mancl, Professor Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Ohio State University
The most important decision that local officials make in developing or upgrading a water system is who will provide the technical expertise to work through all the details. This task may seem overwhelming, but fortunately in Ohio many local, state, and private groups offer the necessary technical expertise.
Several organizations will need to be drawn on for a community to bring together all of the qualified technical experts needed to develop a successful project. Expertise will be needed in three general categories:
Once a community has identified a problem with its existing water service, it can begin to identify technical people who can provide technical assistance.
First, seek out local technical expertise:
Next, call on state organizations that provide technical assistance:
Third, contact and interview technical consultants:
Working with technical assistance providers comes with costs. All of these people are professionals and must be compensated for their time. Some organizations can provide technical assistance to a community at no or reduced costs, because they receive their support from other sources. Many of these programs are heavily subscribed so be patient and be prepared to work with them to schedule meetings and wait until their services are available.
When working with state level technical assistance providers, you may have to make long distance phone calls and be prepared to travel some distance to meet with them.
Most importantly, as several experts get involved in a project, a real cost is "information overload." Each professional brings a unique perspective to a project, so don't be surprised if opinions differ.
As the community leaders interact with technical professionals, they gain a greater appreciation for and understanding of the project. Local officials will be better able to communicate the details and the important decisions to the water system customers.
As a community begins working with a group of technical assistance providers, progress is made toward satisfying customer needs. The community also shows progress in meeting regulatory requirements.
The experience of putting together an expert team can have future rewards. Many of these same groups can be accessed again when the community faces another project or problem.