New York Rural Water Association

The New York Rural Water Association is one of 47 states that are affiliates of the National Rural Water Association. Over the years, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has invited National Rural Water Association to the table to discuss upcoming rules and regulations and their effect on the small systems across the nation. Currently the rural and small system industry has no data (other than EPAs) to document our arguments in the regulatory process or in the re-authorization debates. We wish to change that, so we recently sent you a Full Plant Information Form and asked you to complete and return it to our office. We plan to build a database that will show the true cost of a regulation for the majority of systems nationwide. This data will be the largest and most comprehensive database in the industry. It is important to speak as "one voice" representing the small systems to be effective at these decision-making meetings. We must ensure that both the State and Federal Government stay focused on the needs of the small systems. Our united efforts can make the difference. If you have already sent back your form, we greatly appreciate it. If you have not, please get involved and provide us this important information. If you have lost your form, you can find a copy of the Full Plant Information Form in this issue of Aquafacts. We can only accomplish our goals by joining forces; lets take it to the next level and give them accurate information. Please take a few minutes out of your busy work schedule and complete this form and mail it back to our office. Please be sure to keep a copy of your completed form for useful access in the future. This form can be a quick reference sheet for the clerks, operators, decision makers, etc.

On another note, have you registered for our Annual Technical Conference - scheduled for May 20-23, 2001, at the Hudson Valley Resort in Kerhonkson, NY - if not, why not. Let this be the "one" conference you attend in 2001. Come join us for a wide variety of training offered to water and wastewater operators, board members, office personnel and managers. There will be 65 booths of products and services on display in our exhibit hall Monday and Tuesday. There are fun events planned throughout the conference. Talk to someone who has attended a past conference and they will tell you how much they enjoyed the conference and the time spent with peers sharing stories and experiences. Come join us this year for "Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of …… Quality of Tap" The conference is highlighted in this issue of Aquafac