Circuit Rider Technical Assistance for Public Water Systems Along the U.S. / Mexico Border

1. Purpose and Objectives: To provide for concentrated management and technical assistance to water utilities along the border over a two year period. The Texas Rural Water Association will provide the hands-on assistance with an experienced “circuit rider” personnel. The goals are to decrease by 50% the number of public drinking water systems in substantial noncompliance with drinking water standards, and to ensure that 100% of the regulated water and wastewater utilities provide reliable and adequate customer service in a cost effective manner. Also, another fundamental objective was to improve the quality of water and wastewater utility service to consumers throughout Texas, especially in rural areas.

2. Funding: On September 1, 1994, EPA awarded $140,000 to the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC).

3. Partners: The partners are EPA Region 6, the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) and the Texas Rural Water Association (TRWA).

4. Description: To help utilities comply with State and Federal regulations in a cost effective manner, and to ensure that water and wastewater utility services are maintained and expanded, where possible, by identifying financial resources and helping utilities to access those resources.

5. Status: The program is now complete.

6. U.S. Contacts: Federal: Joan E. Brown, EPA (214) 665-7130 State: George Freitag, TRWA, (512) 239-6103