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CUPSS, the Check-Up Program for Small Systems

 

What Is CUPSS? CUPSS is a simple, easy-to-use asset management program that helps small utilities manage and finance existing and future drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. The EPA’s vision is for small utilities to begin learning about and doing asset management by using CUPSS regularly. EPA released CUPSS on April 21, 2008 at the National Rural Water Association Rally, held in Washington, DC.

 

How do I get a copy of CUPSS? You can download CUPSS and other supporting materials at www.epa.gov/cupss. To order a copy, call 800-490-9198 and request EPA #816-K-08-002 for the User’s Kit or 816-K-08-001 for the Trainer’s Kit. Bulk orders are available.

 

What is asset management? Asset management is managing infrastructure assets to minimize the total cost of owning and operating them, while delivering the service level customers desire. CUPSS is based on the “Five Core Questions” framework, which asks utilities:

    • What is the current state of my assets?

    • What service level do my customers require?

    • Which assets are critical to sustained performance?

    • What are my best capital improvement and O&M strategies?

    • What is my best long-term funding strategy?

 

Why do states and technical assistance providers need CUPSS? CUPSS facilitates development of technical, managerial, and financial capacity. This software will reduce long-term costs to states, technical assistance providers, and the government by enhancing the self-sufficiency of small drinking water and wastewater utilities.

 

How will CUPSS help small systems in your state? While each user will achieve a unique benefit, EPA’s goal is for CUPSS to:

    • Assist with communications between utility staff and decision makers.

    • Help move utilities from crisis management to informed decision making.

    • Facilitate more efficient and focused utility operations.

    • Improve financial management to make the best use of limited resources.

 

Is CUPSS easy to use? CUPSS is stand-alone, user-friendly software with an attractive interface and tutorial, delivered on CD. The end-user for CUPSS is a small public water system or wastewater facility serving less than 3,300 customers. The program offers personalized, intuitive navigation, including areas like “My CUPSS Check Up Reports” and “My CUPSS Plan.”

 

What are some of the special features of CUPSS? There are many features that will entice a utility to use CUPSS for daily, weekly, monthly, and annual tasks. Some of the special features include:

    • Drawing a utility schematic.

    • Graphical presentation of asset priority.

    • Assembling a customer-oriented plan.

    • Managing multiple utilities.

 

What is EPA doing to help people learn about CUPSS and asset management? A comprehensive marketing, user support, and training strategy will be fully implemented, with emphasis on leveraging our state and technical assistance provider partners as the “CUPSS Trainer Network.” Email CUPSS@epa.gov to learn more and join the network.