Program B research, to be conducted at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, the University of Illinois, and the University of Massachusetts, focuses solely on non-treatment process innovations that can be altered to benefit small systems. It is divided into sub-projects with the following key hypotheses:

B1: A primary barrier to multi-state acceptance of new technologies is the lack of information and the lack of a standard documentation that can be utilized by multiple state regulatory agencies. The primary objective is to develop standard documentation to help agencies more quickly approve new technologies and to use New England as a test bed for this approach.

B2: Innovation in the use of Smartphones for inputting asset data will assist small systems. The objective is to develop a robust Smartphone inventory application to work in conjunction with the Check-up Program for Small Systems (CUPSS). Click here to learn about the CUPSS Mobile App

B3: A network in a distribution system of commercially-available probes combined with wireless communication technology can improve decision making, and that innovative low-cost paper-based electrochemical sensors can be produced. The objectives are to develop and demonstrate the use of the probes and wireless/radio frequency communications devices within a small system situation and to design and demonstrate the paper-based sensors for nitrate and conductivity.

General approaches to achieve the three objectives include contacting key personnel at state programs to identify barriers to technology acceptance; facilitate working groups of state agency personnel and stakeholders to develop common documentation standards for new technologies; and to develop a uniform set of technology adoption practices utilizing a mobile piloting trailer. Research and development of a mobile application capable of collecting and sending asset inventory data, GPS coordinates, pictures, and performance information to CUPSS in the field will be performed and finalized by conducting beta-testing of the system in at least four small utilities. Lastly work will be performed to link commercially available sensors to communications devices and demonstrate reliable data-acquisition for a distribution system (e.g., for total coliform rule compliance), and to develop novel paper-based electrochemical conductivity and nitrate sensors that are reliable and low cost. Each sub-project in Program B will result in implementation guidelines or results specifically targeted to small water systems. Each guideline will be published and disseminated through the Education and Outreach Units of the WINSSS Center as well as in peer-reviewed articles.

Presentations from WINSSS March 2016 Center Meeting