The capacity of a water system refers to the ability of a water system to meet the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and the New Mexico drinking water regulations in the present and into the future. It is essential for water systems to strive to maximize their capacity, not only to meet the regulatory requirements, but to be able to qualify for funding and to ensure that the water system operates efficiently with a minimum number of problems for administrators, operators and customers. Capacity is generally broken into three categories:
Technical Capacity, which relates to the adequacy of water system infrastructure including water source, treatment, storage, and distribution facilities, and the ability of system personnel to operate the infrastructure.
Managerial Capacity, which relates to the management structure of the water system including the accountability of system ownership, staffing and organizational adequacy, and effectiveness of management in acquiring and using outside resources.
Financial Capacity, which relates to the financial resources of the water system including revenue sufficiency, credit worthiness, and fiscal control.
The Drinking Water Bureau's (DWB) Capacity Development Program is intended to assist water systems increase their capacity. Through DWB staff and through technical assistance contractors, DWB offers a variety of services:
Workshops: a variety of workshops on technical, managerial and financial topics are offered throughout the year and across the state. For a list of upcoming workshops offered by DWB, our contractors and other providers, CLICK HERE.
Assistance: in addition to the assistance that DWB staff can provide, we have 2 assistance contracts. The first is with the Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) to provide direct managerial and financial assistance with water systems. The second is with the New Mexico Rural Water Association (NMRWA) to provide direct technical assistance.
Public Outreach: DWB has a variety of printed materials to inform water system administrators and operators about a variety of DWB programs. DWB also attempts to have a presence at as many conferences around the state as possible. DWB staff are also available to make presentations on a variety of topics at schools, fairs and other public events.
Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund: DWB, along with the New Mexico Finance Authority (NMFA), administers the Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund (DWRLF). This is a loan fund targeted at drinking water systems. Interest rates are below market rate with rates as low as 0% for qualifying disadvantaged systems. For more information, CLICK HERE.
For more information on the capacity development program or to request assistance for your water system, call DWB TOLL FREE 1-877-654-8720.
