This document is a handbook for local officials on drinking water and wastewater management. It was produced through a cooperative effort between several state environmental agencies and the US Environmental Protection Agency. The handbook provides guidance to local officials on key topics related to operating and managing drinking water and wastewater systems, including regulatory requirements, legal responsibilities, operations, maintenance, personnel management, financial management, and resources for additional information. It aims to assist local officials in meeting federal and state standards for providing safe drinking water and properly treating wastewater.

1. Drinking Water
and Wastewater
Handbook for
Local Officials
Produced by
the Maryland
Center for
Environmental
Training,
in cooperation
with the U.S.
Environmental
Protection
Agency,
Region 3
October 2000

2. Acknowledgments
The handbook was produced under a cooperative agreement between
the Maryland Center for Environmental Training (MCET) of the College
of Southern Maryland, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection (PA DEP), the Delaware Technical and Community College
(DelTech), and the United States Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA). Jim Kern, of the United States Environmental Protection
Agency, Region 3, was the EPA project manager and provided valuable
oversight and support.
Chapters were drafted by a number of authors and compiled by staff
from the Maryland Center for Environmental Training. MCET would This project has
like to thank the following people for their contributions to the hand- been funded
book: Brian Carbaugh, Doug Abbott, Theresa Wellman, Lenny Gold, wholly or in part
Richard Alper, Laura Ford, Jake Bair, Susan Craton, and Sally Ho. by the United
States
Karen Brandt directed the project for the Maryland Center for Environmental
Environmental Training. Laura Ford edited and desktop published the Protection Agency
handbook and managed the project for MCET. Jake Bair was instrumen- under assistance
tal in developing the project concept and provided essential technical agreement number
review during the project. The following MCET staff also contributed to T-993694-01-0 to
the project: Susan Craton, Editor, and Frank Comstock, Technical the Maryland
Reviewer. Center for
Environmental
This handbook was inspired by Daniel Farris, Director of Limerick Training. The
Township Municipal Authority, Limerick, Pennsylvania, and a 104(g)(1) contents of this
wastewater operator trainer. “There’s got to be a better way….” document do not
necessarily reflect
the views and
The definitions of words in the glossary are copyrighted and reproduced by permission of the
policies of the
Office of Water Programs, California State University, Sacramento Foundation, 6000 J Street, Environmental
Sacramento, CA 95819-6025. For copies of the operator training manuals on the safe Protection Agency,
operation and maintenance of water and wastewater facilities that are the original source of nor does mention
these definitions, contact the Office of Water Programs, phone (916) 278-6142 or by e-mail at of trade names or
http://wateroffice@owp.csus.edu.
commercial
products
GASB Research Report, Water and Wastewater Treatment, is copyrighted by the Governmental
Accounting Standards Board, 401 Merritt 7, P.O. Box 5116, Norwark, Connecticut 06856- constitute
5116, U.S.A. Portions are reprinted with permission. Complete copies of this document are endorsement or
available from the GASB. recommendation
for use.
Materials adapted from the Comprehensive Guide to Water and Wastewater Finance and Pricing,
Second Edition, are used by permission of George Raftelis and CRC Press, LLC, 2000 NW
Corporate Boulevard, Boca Raton, Florida 33431. To purchase copies, call (800) 272-7737.
Cover photos: Lenny Gold and Bruce Darner, Middletown, Maryland, plant superintendent,
review secondary clarifier performance at Middletown’s plant (photo by Jake Bair), Montross,
Virginia, town hall (photo by Perry Costas), water tower in Leonardtown, Maryland (photo by
Lenny Gold).

3. Contents
A Introduction
B The Regulatory Setting
contributed by Laura Ford, Maryland Center for Environmental Training
C Legal Responsibilities
contributed by Richard Alper, Esq., Maryland Center for Environmental
Training
D Operations
contributed by Sally Ho, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection
E Maintenance
contributed by Brian Carbaugh, Delaware Technical and Community College
F Personnel Management
contributed by Lenny Gold, Maryland Center for Environmental Training
G Procurement of Professional Services
contributed by Lenny Gold, Maryland Center for Environmental Training
H Public Relations
contributed by Brian Carbaugh, Delaware Technical and Community College
I Financial Management and Business Planning
contributed by Theresa Wellman, Maryland Center for Environmental
Training
J Bibliography
contributed by Susan Craton, Maryland Center for Environmental Training
K Contacts and Resources
contributed by Susan Craton, Maryland Center for Environmental Training
L Sample Monthly Reporting Form
contributed by Jake Bair, Maryland Center for Environmental Training
M Glossary
contributed by the Office of Water Programs, California State University