It is important that small community decision-makers understand the full spectrum and long-term implications of wastewater management options. These officials are charged with the responsibility of maximizing the return on the taxpayer’s investment. In order to make informed decisions, these officials must be provided with basic information about the performance, reliability, and cost (both the capital and life-cycle costs) of the various options. This project will develop software that contains a spreadsheet-based economic model and contains fact-sheet style educational modules. This tool will provide users with fundamental information about the operation of various wastewater management options and will provide cost estimates for these options based on local cost indices. The model will be designed to be realistic and dynamic; it will include estimates for initial capital costs and for life-cycle costs. Using this tool, a decision-maker will be able to evaluate several wastewater management options.
This project is scheduled to be completed in 2009.
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