State barriers to approval of drinking water technologies for small systems

One perceived barrier to the implementation of new technologies in small drinking water systems is obtaining state regulatory agency approval. To investigate barriers as well as acceptance program status, experiences with new technologies, data needs for technology approval, and interest in a shared approach to acceptance of new technologies, a survey was sent to state regulatory agencies. The survey confirmed that new technologies for small systems are rarely considered by agencies. Key barriers encountered by states include an overall lack of staff time and training, insufficient data from vendors (including appropriate pilot test data), and lack of independent verification and certification. It was also found that some "emerging" technologies are more common than previously realized and that most states are interested in sharing data and are willing to collaborate to collect and evaluate performance data for new technologies. The next step is to identify how to share information nationwide.