New DWSP2 Resources

We are excited to announce the DWSP2 Plan Data Summary and Plan Template have been added to the Drinking Water Source Protection Program (DWSP2) webpage for anyone to use! These resources are an aid for you to use as you go through the Framework and develop your protection plan. 

DWSP2 Plan Data Summary

The DWSP2 Plan Data Summary is a tool to summarize data gathered throughout the planning process using the DWSP2 Framework. There are two data summaries, one in Microsoft and another in Excel, created using the same information. Choose whichever software works best for you!

A table from tab 4.1 of the Microsoft Excel DWSP2 Plan Data Summary

Each component of the Framework has its own section in the Data Summary. We pre-filled some fields to help you with data collection. Communities and providers should use the format they are most comfortable with when developing a plan.

DWSP2 Plan Template

We created the DWSP2 Plan Template to guide municipalities through writing their DWSP2 plan. Similar to the Data Summary, the Template contains a section for each component of the Framework.

Each section includes a bulleted list of items to include in the DWSP2 Plan narrative. In addition to the list, we provide language as a jumping-off point for when you begin writing your plan. To tie the Data Summary and Template together, the Template references the applicable section of the Data Summary if you would like to include the associated table.

An excerpt from section 4.1 of the DWSP2 Plan Template

We encourage you to use these tools as you go through the Framework and develop your own, unique plan!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why are there two tools?
  • The DWSP2 Plan Data Summary is a tool to collect data during, or after, you have gone through the process of developing a DWSP2 Plan.
  • The DWSP2 Template is meant to provide you with a starting point for the narrative component of your DWSP2 Plan. Tables from the DWSP2 Data Summary can be included in the plan’s narrative.
• Are the resources optional or mandatory?
  • The new resources are optional. They are meant to help you as you work through the Framework and develop a DWSP2 Plan.
• Do the resources have to be used together?
  • No, the resources can be used on their own or together depending on your preference.
• Can I customize the resources to suit my community?
  • Yes, we encourage you to tailor the plan and any tables to fit your community’s needs.
• Do I need to provide these resources to the State once I have completed my planning?
  • No, these are optional resources for you to use as the DWSP2 Plan is developed.
• Should I use the tools while going through the Framework’s planning process or after?
  • We encourage you to use the Data Summary and Template as you go through the Framework’s planning process and begin to collect data.

Introduction to the DWSP2 Framework

As you may recall from the previous edition, the State has released a working draft that municipalities can use to develop their drinking water source protection plan, called “A Framework for Creating a Drinking Water Source Protection Program Plan”.

Over the next few newsletters, we will be breaking down each phase of the DWSP2 Framework. This will provide you with a synopsis of each phase and highlight a few resources that may be of benefit to you.

There are four phases and eight key components of a protection plan:

1. Stakeholder Group
   • Form a Stakeholder Group
   • Establish Goals and Formulate a Vision
2. Drinking Water Source Assessment
   • Develop an Overview of the Water System
   • Prepare a Drinking Water Source Protection Map
   • Create a Potential Contaminant Source Inventory
3. Protection and Implementation Strategies
   • Identify Protectin and Management Methods
   • Develop an Implementation Timeline
4. Progression and Maintenance
   • Designate a Plan Management Team

In the next newsletter, we will be taking a closer look at Phase 1 of the Framework – Stakeholder Group.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you begun this process? Send in any helpful hints or lessons learned at source.water@dec.ny.gov and we may highlight them!

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