Through this Wastewater Technical Assistance (TA) project, we are able to offer free technical assistance and training to small wastewater utilities across Tennessee on developing asset management plans and demonstrating financial sufficiency. See below for more information about the project and how to get involved.
About the Project
The Tennessee Water Resources Research Center (TNWRRC), affiliated with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has partnered with the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA), Tennessee Tech University (TTU), and the University of Memphis (UofM) to help small and economically disadvantaged communities become eligible for low-interest wastewater infrastructure loans. This will be accomplished by helping systems overcome the two most significant barriers to funding eligibility, which are 1) developing an asset management plan, and 2) demonstrating financial sufficiency.
Project tasks include conducting regular visits with participating wastewater systems, providing technical assistance with developing or improving asset management plans and demonstrating financial sufficiency, and providing regular training opportunities on related topics.
Workshops and technical assistance are offered free of charge.
Where We Work
This project serves rural and small wastewater utilities across the state of Tennessee. The project team divided the work according to Tennessee’s three historic regions – West, Middle, and East Tennessee – with each university serving their respective region. Each university partner will also coordinate with their region’s TDEC field office representatives to identify systems that may be interested in technical assistance. A map of the regions and TDEC field office locations is shown below.
Project Regions and TDEC Field Office Locations
Technical Assistance
When the project team receives a request for technical assistance or training, an initial meeting with utility staff, board members, or local decision-makers is scheduled to discuss the system’s needs, particularly related to asset management or financial sufficiency. TNWRRC and UTIA staff will support the university partners in providing technical assistance to develop or improve asset management plans or to demonstrate financial sufficiency. Technical assistance opportunities are limited based on contractual requirements and staff availability, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To request assistance, please click here.
Workshops Offered
At a minimum, the workshops listed below will be offered twice yearly in each Tennessee region. Please check the Upcoming Events page to view scheduled trainings.
| Workshop Title: | Description: |
|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Asset Management for Water and Wastewater Systems |
This workshop provides an introduction to asset management plans. This training provides historical context for asset management and then guides participants through the 5 standard components of asset management plans: 1) Asset Inventory, 2) Level of Service, 3) Risk Analysis, 4) O&M and Capital Improvement, and 5) Financial Planning. |
| Financial Sufficiency |
This workshop provides an introduction to financial sufficiency for utility management. Participants will be guided through an overview of key financial ratios and indicators, and four steps of financial planning. This training will also discuss annual budgeting, rate setting, and possible funding sources. |
Continuing education units (CEUs) have been approved for each workshop.