CUPSS: EPA's Free Asset Management Software for Small Systems

Abstract

More than 70% of the 16,000 public wastewater systems and approximately 92% of the community water systems in the United States serve small communities. Many of these small systems have aged considerably, and major components of their systems are reaching the end of their useful life and will need to be rehabilitated or replaced in the near future. Utilities are faced with major expenses they will have to undertake with limited outside assistance, and in some cases, with a shrinking revenue base.Operators and managers of these small facilities face daily challenges to meet regulatory requirements at the desired level of service while staying within the budget and personnel constraints of their community. Small communities lack many of the advantages of larger communities and generally have limited budgets, high system costs per household, limited training or expertise, and small staffs. Good asset management practices can help utilities improve their decision-making, resulting in significant cost savings and improved system performance.