Managing Your Water System

Keep drinking water safe for your users.

You are responsible for the maintenance and operation of your water system.

Meet testing requirements.

Test for bacteria once a year.
Test for nitrates once every three years.

Record keeping.

Treat your water system like a small business. Update these items often or when you make changes:

All water test results.
Annual monitoring permit.
Water system easements and agreements.
Protective well covenants.
Plans of the water system and water line layouts.
Copy of the well log.
Flow test information.
Record of past repairs of the equipment and well.
Keep a list of customers and maintenance company’s contact information in case of emergency.

Keep a reserve account.

You need funds to maintain and manage the water system. Develop a 6-year operating budget for:

Required testing.
Permit fees.
Management fees.
Electricity bills.
Operation and maintenance expenses.
Treatment expenses (filters, softeners, chlorine bleach, etc.)
Equipment replacement cost (older systems with failing components are expensive.)

Account for all regular costs plus a 10% emergency reserve fund. Tailor the amount you contribute to reserve accounts to your water system’s need.

Send bills regularly to collect money from users.
Outline financial responsibilities with a well-share agreement:
- Well Share Agreement example.
- Well System Agreement: Operation, Maintenance and Easement example.
Document costs or changes.
Collect any additional money needed from your customers.

Notify users of water quality or concerns.

Avoid neighborhood disputes. Talk to each other. Educate users on how to protect your water source and water conservation efforts. Good or bad, share your test results.

Water system upkeep.

Use our self-assessment checklist to make sure your system operates correctly.

Let us know when information about your system changes.

Group B Water System Manager Information Request