Outcomes

EPA’s small system research serves small and decentralized water and wastewater systems with technology, management, and decision-support tools that provide user-friendly information and guidance. Research encompasses the entire water cycle as it affects small and decentralized systems.

Small system research focuses on:

• Source water protection
• Drinking water treatment
• Water quality in distribution systems
• Wastewater collection
• Treatment and disposal
• Water quality issues, such as residual disposal and discharge

Small system research also includes evaluation of treatment technologies and management systems to determine whether they are appropriate for small and decentralized systems in terms of cost, reliability, operation, maintenance, and compliance.