Page 76 - Urban water supply handbook

STRATEGIC PLANNING FRAMEWORK FOR SMALL WATER SYSTEMS

SMALL WATER SYSTEMS PLANNING 2.9

TABLE 2.2 Overview of Water System Capacity

Elements of capacity Key indicators
Technical
Source-water ● Does the system have a reliable source of drinking water?
adequacy ● Is the source of generally good quality and adequately
protected?
Infrastructure ● Can the system provide water that meets SDWA standards?
adequacy ● What is the condition of its infrastructure, including wells and
intakes, treatment, storage, and distribution?
● Does the system have a capital improvement plan?
Technical knowledge ● Is the system operator certified?
and implementation ● Does the operator have sufficient technical knowledge of
applicable standards?
● Can the operator effectively implement technical knowledge?
● Does the operator understand the system’s technical and
operational characteristics?
● Does the system have an effective operation and maintenance
program?
Financial

Revenue sufficiency ● Are the system’s costs and revenues known and measurable?
● Are system assets properly valued and reflected in rates?
● Do revenues from rates and charges cover system costs?

Credit worthiness ● Is the system financially healthy, as measured through indica-
tors, ratios, and ratings?
● Does it have a credit record and access to capital through
public or private sources?
● Can it provide assurance of repayment?
Fiscal management ● Are adequate books and records maintained?
and controls ● Are appropriate budgeting, accounting, and financial plan-
ning methods used?
● Does the system manage its revenues effectively?
Managerial
Ownership structure ● Are the system owners clearly identified?
and accountability ● Can owners be held accountable for the system?
Staffing and ● Are the system operators and managers clearly identified?
organization ● Is the system properly organized and staffed?
● Do personnel have adequate expertise to manage operations?
● Do personnel understand the regulatory requirements?
● Do personnel have the necessary licenses and certifications?

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