Capacity Development is a process for water systems to acquire and maintain adequate technical, managerial and financial (TMF) capacity. Water system capacity is the ability to plan for, achieve and maintain compliance with applicable rules and regulations. TMF capacity creates sustainable systems that consistently provide safe, reliable and affordable drinking water. Public water systems commencing operation after Oct. 1, 1999 must demonstrate TMF capacity, in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), in order to obtain a permit to dispense from the department. Public water systems commencing operation prior to Oct. 1, 1999 are encouraged to implement capacity development activities to increase TMF capacity. All public water systems are eligible for TMF assistance from the department.

Technical Capacity

Technical capacity is the physical and operational ability of a water system to meet SDWA requirements. Technical capacity refers to the physical infrastructure of the water system, including the adequacy of source water and the adequacy of treatment, storage, and distribution infrastructure. It also refers to the ability of system personnel to adequately operate and maintain the system.

Managerial Capacity

Managerial capacity is the ability of a water system to conduct its affairs in a manner enabling the system to achieve and maintain compliance with SDWA requirements. Managerial capacity refers to the system’s institutional and administrative capabilities.

Financial Capacity

Financial capacity is a water system’s ability to acquire and manage sufficient financial resources to allow the system to achieve and maintain compliance with SDWA requirements.

Technical, Managerial and Financial (TMF) Assistance

Circuit Rider Assistance

The department contracts with Missouri Rural Water Association to provide technical experts, also known as circuit riders, to assist public drinking water systems with a wide range of issues including water loss, rate setting, asset management, flushing plans, and compliance assistance. Every year circuit riders assist water systems across the state in locating hundreds of water main leaks and conserving millions of gallons of water. Quickly locating and repairing leaks protects public health and reduces costs associated with pumping and treating water.

Circuit riders also provide rate assistance. Rate assistance helps water utility personnel and management understand that rates must be sufficient to ensure revenues cover the expenditures of the system. Circuit riders conducting rate studies also advise water systems on budgeting, asset inventory and management, and strategic planning. To request TMF assistance from the department, fill out a Drinking Water System TMF Assistance Request.

Technical Assistance Providers

Capacity Development Strategy and Reports

Capacity Development Strategy Advisory Committee

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is updating the Capacity Development Strategy for Existing Public Water Systems in order to meet the requirements of America’s Water Infrastructure Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. The department reestablished the Capacity Development Strategy Advisory Committee to solicit feedback on updates to the strategy and best practices for incorporating asset management.