Board Member Training Resources January 20, 2022 By Margaret Boards 0 Board members play an essential role in sustainable and well-functioning water utilities. As part of a governing body for a water or wastewater system, it is the job of a board member to approve major decisions about it. They share responsibility with the water system manager(s) and operator(s) for protecting public health and the environment. In order to make sound decisions, board members need an understanding of the technical, managerial, and financial components of their community's water infrastructure. And as there are different issues and challenges between water and wastewater, board members need appropriate topical training. Here are a selection of resources from our document library: The Big Guide for Small Systems: A Resource for Board Members Rural Community Assistance Partnership This 172-page handbook is intended for both new and experienced members of the board of directors of a drinking water or wastewater utility or members of the highest governing board of a system. A Drop of Knowledge: The Non-operator's Guide to Wastewater Systems Rural Community Assistance Partnership This 60-page handbook explains in simple, everyday language the various components/operations of a small wastewater system from when the customer flushes his/her toilet through collection, treatment, and return to source. A Drop of Knowledge: The Non-operator's Guide to Drinking Water Systems Rural Community Assistance Partnership This 52-page handbook explains in simple, everyday language the technical aspects of drinking water utilities from source to tap. A Guide to Selecting Consultants for Rural Communities Rural Community Assistance Corporation This 67-page handbook outlines a step-by-step process for selecting and hiring consultants to plan, design, and manage the construction of public water and wastewater facilities. “Basic Training” for Drinking Water Board Members On-Line Course Reference Guide Massachusetts DEP This 72-page guide provides information to support the work of the governing boards, as they work to understand the complexities of managing a drinking water system and remain in compliance with strict public regulations. Comments are closed.