This course provides guidance and criteria for the design of small water supply, treatment, and distribution systems. The small water systems shall be those having average daily design flow rates of 380,000 liters per day (l/d) (100,000 gallons per day (gpd)) or less. However, the use of the term small is arbitrary, there is no consensus in the water supply literature with respect to its meaning. Regulations regarding the acceptability of a water source, degree of treatment required, and the monitoring requirements are not based on flow rates, but rather on a water system classification relating to the number of people served and for what period of time.

The design of any water system depends on many factors, not the least of which is the intended use of the finished product. The information presented in the course applies most directly to the design of systems to supply potable water to the public at Corps recreation facilities. The function of a water supply system is to provide water from a source, treat the water to render it suitable for its intended use, and deliver the water to the user at the time and in the quantity desired. Since such factors as the yield and quality of raw water sources; topography, geology, and population density of service areas; and intended uses of water may vary, it is obvious that not all water systems will be alike. Nevertheless there are certain general considerations that designers of virtually all water systems must take into account.

The course material is based entirely on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Engineering Manual EM 1110-2-503: Engineering and Design of Small Water Systems.

At the conclusion of this course, the learner will have a better understanding about the principles of engineering and design of small water systems as well as the following:

• Planning and design of water systems
• Water quality and water quantity requirements
• Various sources of water and water treatment process
• Pumping, storing and distribution system of water
• Safe Drinking Water Act and its regulations