EPA's Free Asset Management Software for Small Systems: Check Up Program for Small Systems (CUPSS)

Technology Description CUPSS (“Check-Up Program for Small Systems”) is an asset management software tool for very small drinking water and wastewater systems. It allows system managers to evaluate their system to determine the most efficient, lowest cost approach to maintaining the desired level of service over the long term. This stand-alone, user-friendly software helps systems meet their public health goals and maintain compliance with environmental regulations.Specifically, CUPSS can help small water and wastewater systems to realize the following benefits: (i) better communication between utility staff and decision makers; (ii) migration from crisis management to informed decision making; (iii) more efficient and focused utility operations to achieve an optimal level of service; and, (iv) improved financial management and strategic planning to make the most use of limited resources. The software program is designed to help a utility answer five core questions: “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 operations and maintenance strategies,” and “what is my best long-term funding strategy.”No other free or commercially available product duplicates these features or is tailored to the unique needs of this audience. The CUPSS project was jointly undertaken by U.S. EPA/OW/OGWDW and U.S. EPA/OW/OWM, with input from a 50-member steering group, including representatives of the Rural Community Assistance Partnership, the National Rural Water Association, various environmental finance centers, state agencies, and local utilities.