Pillars of Governmental Environmental Public Health | A Guide to Scalable Environmental Public Health Programs
Additionally, as demands for new construction of homes with private wells increase and in- and out-migration occur, the need for more dedicated staff is rising for many jurisdictions. To allow for maximum flexibility, adequate staffing for this program would mean existing wells are inspected and maintained the appropriate number of times required by legislation. Education/Training/Certifications A bachelor of science in a science field with some courses in geology, biology, microbiology, and hydrology is highly recommended by survey respondents. Given the intricacies of installing and maintaining a pota- ble water system that go hand-in-hand with onsite waste- water systems, participants also recommend requiring an REHS/RS credential for inspectors performing potable water program activities. Additionally, drinking water operator and public systems certifications offered by many states and well driller asso - ciations can help EPH professionals become more accli- mated to perform some of the duties of this program.
sterile water sampling containers, sample preservation materials and coolers, chain of custody documentation forms, and transportation materials for sample delivery to laboratories. Programs often rely on proper sampling equipment to ensure accurate water quality assessment and regulatory compliance. Educational and outreach materials, including brochures and fact sheets about water safety, support programs in communicating important information to system operators and the public. Adminis- trative and technical equipment encompasses computers and printers for plan review and documentation, technical reference materials and regulatory guides, communication devices (cell phones, two-way radios), and vehicles for field inspections and site visits. Programs that engage in soil sampling or well-siting activities might require additional specialized equipment, including soil sampling tools for contamination assess- ment and basic surveying equipment for well-siting eval- uations. Equipment selection varies based on the scope of services provided and specific regulatory requirements within each jurisdiction. Funding Sources/Barriers Funding for potable water programs in many jurisdic- tions is based on fees incurred from the construction and maintenance of potable water systems. New construction fees are common among participating departments in this focus group. Some departments charge an annual fee for maintenance inspections. Participants did not charge a fee for operating wells, which could mean that their primary source of income for this program relies solely on new construction, thereby making their program vulnerable to population migration.
Equipment Needs
Equipment for potable water programs varies based on specific program responsibilities and activities. Common equipment includes inspection and assessment tools such as measuring tapes, rulers, and digital cameras for docu- mentation purposes. Water sampling and testing equipment represent a criti- cal component of potable water programs. This includes
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