The Challenges of Installing Innovative Treatment in Small Water Systems

The Drinking Water Assistance Program of the Montana Water Center sponsors the piloting of innovative treatment technologies and approaches to aid small public water systems. Now in its fifth year, the program has sponsored demonstrations at more than 20 systems around the United States. Project personnel have encountered numerous challenges in installing and testing innovative treatment methods. Many of the challenges arise when treatment is added to a system that previously had none, or to a system that used only chlorination. Some of the difficulties involve system engineering, some are people problems, others take the form of business or regulatory impediments. The purpose of this paper is to share some of the more important lessons that have been learned in fostering the adoption of innovative treatment. Examples are drawn from projects concerned with corrosion control, nitrate reduction, microfiltration, and disinfection.