Public water systems can face unique financial and operational challenges in consistently providing drinking water that meets national primary drinking water regulations (Code of Federal Regulations 40 CFR Part 141) and Missouri’s drinking water regulations (Code of State Regulations 10 CSR 60). Water system capacity is the ability to plan for, achieve and maintain compliance with applicable rules and regulations. Capacity development is a process water systems use to acquire and maintain adequate technical, managerial and financial (TMF) capacity.
TMF capacity creates sustainable systems that consistently provide safe, reliable and affordable drinking water. Public water systems that began operating on or before Oct. 1, 1999, are encouraged to implement capacity development activities to increase their TMF capacity. According to Section 1420(a) of the Safe Drinking Water Act, public water systems that began operating after Oct. 1, 1999, must demonstrate TMF capacity in order to obtain a permit to dispense from the department.
Resources for Public Water Systems
The department developed a capacity development strategy to assist public water systems in acquiring and maintaining TMF capacity. The department is committed to helping public water systems provide safe drinking water through publications, training and technical and financial assistance. Each area of TMF capacity is discussed further below, along with any resources available to help public water systems build their TMF capacity. All public water systems are eligible for TMF assistance.