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Finding Tribal-Specific Resources and Events Just Got Easier
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The staff behind WaterOperator.org recently released a "how to" video for finding site information specific to the unique needs of tribal systems. The roughly four-minute video provides a step-by-step overview of the document and event databases, tribal newsletter, tribal assistance provider list, and tribal contact manager.
Click here to watch the video and see a sampling of documents related to tribes.
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Indian Health Service and US Department of Agriculture Team Up to Assess O&M Costs at Tribally Owned and Operated Utilities
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The Indian Health Service, with the support of the US Department of Agriculture, is undertaking an effort to evaluate the operation and maintenance (O&M) costs at tribally owned and operated water and wastewater facilities. The outcome of this work is intended to improve the understanding of the magnitude of O&M costs to support water and wastewater infrastructure serving tribal communities. The effort will entail compiling and analyzing the asset and financial data from an estimated 200+ American Indian and Alaska Native Village owned utilities that are selected and agree to participate.
The project will identify optimum O&M cost benchmarks and document best O&M practices of tribal utilities, develop a national estimate of O&M costs at tribal utilities, and provide enhanced information to support technical assistance for tribal utilities. This is a multiyear effort that is anticipated to be completed in early 2018. If you are interested in finding out more about this effort please contact CAPT David Harvey at the Indian Health Service.
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Comprehensive Manuals to Help Navajo Nation Chapters Address Water Shortages
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A graduate student at the University of Arizona has developed two manuals to help the Navajo Department of Water Resources operate and expand the use of the systems at the heart of the Navajo Nation Solar Desalination Research Pilot Demonstration Project. Funded by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the Department of the Interior, and the Grand Canyon Trust, the project is designed to give residents access to more affordable potable water with the use of an off-grid water purification unit that uses solar energy to desalinate brackish groundwater.
The manuals are provided as report appendices. Appendix A describes the theory, system processes, and components. Appendix B is an operation manual.
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Events for Tribal Water Systems
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 Climate Change Impacts and Integrated Adaptation Planning
July 19-20 | Verona, New York
Hosted by United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc.
Participants will obtain a basic understanding of climate change science and potential climate impacts to Tribal values and areas of concern. Participants will gain insight, with both western and traditional knowledge considerations, about how to incorporate both knowledge systems into potential climate adaptation plans. | Click here for more information.
Cross Connection Control
July 26-28 | Chandler, Arizona
Hosted by the Indian Health Service
This 3-day course is intended for water utility personnel who want to develop or improve their knowledge of cross connection control program development, administration, and management to comply with drinking water regulations. Participants will pick up vital information to put to immediate use to develop or improve a utilitys cross connection control program. | Click here for more information.
Pathogens in Drinking Water: Preventing Disease Outbreaks in Your Water System
August 17 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific
Hosted by the Rural Community Assistance Corporation
Disease outbreaks in water systems are rare, but they can and do happen. There are hundreds of known disease causing organisms that can contaminate water, and new ones being discovered every day. Even 40 years ago, pathogens like Giardia were not believed to be harmful to humans. Learn about types of disease-causing organisms that are of concern for water systems; the regulations addressing them; and how to operate and maintain your water systems to minimize the possibility of microbial contamination. | Click here for more information.
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Want to find additional training opportunities for operators,
including events in your area?
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 Formula and Conversion Sheet for Drinking Water Treatment and Distribution
State of Kentucky Division of Compliance Assistance
This one-page document provides conversions and formulas for water treatment and distribution operators in studying for a certification exam.
Click here to download.
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Have a different question?
You can find thousands of helpful resources in our database.
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In the News
Tribe Says Showdown Over Rural Permits Rooted in Politics, Not Water Pipes
The State of Oklahoma and the Citizen Potawatomi Nation are in a legal dispute over the growth of a tribally controlled rural water district. The state is questioning the district’s legal status, but tribal leaders suspect the confrontation is political.
Deering Residents Collaborate With Artist to Capture the Impact of Water on Daily Life
This 20-by-30 foot mural in rural Alaska is part of the Water is Life project organized by the National Tribal Water Center and the Alaska Rural Utility Collaborative.
USDA Announces Funding to Aid Sanitation Projects in Rural Alaska
A total of more than $78,000 has been awarded to help prepare environmental assessments for water and wastewater projects in Kasaan, Teller, and Port Graham. Funding is provided on behalf of these communities to the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium.
Study Focuses on Water Options for Navajo Farms
Tribal and federal officials met earlier this month to discuss the development of a range of alternatives for water delivery in case irrigation services have to be suspended again after an event like the Gold King Mine spill.
Tribes Tout Economic Impact if Water Compact Is Approved
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes say a water compact settling their claims against the federal government will create thousands of jobs from federal invstment in wetland restoration, water delivery system maintenance, and more.
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WaterOperator.org—formerly SmallWaterSupply.org—is a free, grant-funded service to support small community water and wastewater operators with comprehensive resources and information in one easy-to-use place. We also serve the 800+ training, primacy, and technical service organizations, by helping operators get to their information. We aren't buying, selling, or advertising anything. You can call us at 1-866-522-2681 if you need assistance.
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Recently at WaterOperator.org
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Tribal Utility News Subscribers Give Us Insight into Tribal System Needs
Our Tribal Utility News subscriber survey gives insights into the unique challenges and needs facing tribal utilities.
Common Treatment Deficiencies
This article from Spigot News is the second installment in a series of articles to help small water systems identify the most common problems found during a sanitary survey or other investigatory site visit conducted by Ohio EPA staff.
Developing a Better Understanding of Drinking Water Technology Approval: WINSSS Center Project B1
When EPA in 2014 chose to fund the National Centers for Innovation in Small Drinking Water Systems, their vision for the Centers was much more than developing new drinking water technologies. This post walks through the non-treatment pieces of the vision. 
Common Source Water Deficiencies
This Spigot News article covers the Ohio EPA sanitary survey or other investigatory site visits conducted at the water source and concentrates on the most common deficiencies found during the visit of small public water systems.
Educate Decision Makers With Help from RCAP
Take advantage of increased public attention surrounding water and wastewater issues to give leaders the information they need to make more informed decisions about drinking water and wastewater operations, maintenance, and expansion.
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