The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) as amended in 1996 required that each state develop and implement a strategy to assist all existing public water supplies in acquiring and maintaining viability, or sufficient technical, financial, and managerial expertise to provide safe drinking water to their customers at a reasonable cost. In developing this strategy, the states are required to consider, solicit public comment on, and include as appropriate, certain elements that are listed in the SDWA.

• Report Findings, *.pdf file

The Iowa DNR, with the assistance of the Environmental Finance Center at Boise State University, convened a Viability Assessment Advisory Group in December of 1998 to provide input on the required elements of the SDWA. Throughout 1999, the Advisory Group met and discussed different aspects of the SDWA viability requirements. These discussions have culminated in a summary report entitled, "Report of Findings On Improving the Technical, Financial and Managerial Capacity of Iowa's Public Water Systems."

The Department held three public meetings to explain the Report of Findings and ask for additional comments and suggestions. Once this was complete, IDNR used the Report to prepare a strategy to enhance the viability of existing public water supply systems in Iowa. The strategy included a list of measures the Department considered feasible for implementation and listed the methods by which the success of the program would be measured. The EPA approved Iowa's strategy in late 2000. You may access a copy of the strategy by clicking on the link below.

• Capacity Development Strategy, *.pdf file

Also as required by the SDWA, the state was required to report to the Governor by September 30 of 2002 (and every three years thereafter) on the "efficacy of the strategy and progress made toward improving the technical, managerial and financial capacity of public water systems in the State." In preparing the initial report to the Governor, IDNR re-convened the Viability Assessment Advisory Group to discuss how the strategy was being implemented and to solicit comments and suggestions. Using this information, IDNR prepared its report to the Governor, which may be accessed by clicking the link below.

• Governor's Report, 2002, *.pdf file
• Governor's Report, 2005, *.pdf file

The Governor's Report for 2005 and all future reporting periods will be made available as they are finalized.

Self Assessment manuals are available for as a tool for both new and existing water supplies to appraise their technical, managerial, and financial capability.

Please contact Jennifer Bunton at 515/725-0298 or by e-mail at jennifer.bunton@dnr.state.ia.us with comments, questions or suggestions.