This guide contains information about programs, statutes, and policies implemented in the 50 states and Puerto Rico (herein referred to as the states) that encourage partnerships between drinking water systems. Water system partnerships encompass a variety of activities where entities (i.e., water systems, communities, non-profits, associations) work together to reduce operating costs, improve access to safe drinking water, and leverage limited resources. This document is intended as a starting point for public water system (PWS) owners or operators seeking information in their states and for state drinking water program staff who would like an overview of how other states encourage and facilitate partnerships. This guide will point communities towards resources as they begin to explore the benefits that partnerships can bring to their utility.

While this guide outlines state programs that directly support partnerships, it is by no means a comprehensive list of all ways a state is engaging in partnership activities. States often employ best management practices that indirectly support partnership development. Additionally, work focused on compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requirements encourage partnership use (e.g., enhancing coordination, monitoring, and reporting). Some state sections in this guide contain specific legal or programmatic language that requires or encourages consolidation or restructuring of drinking water systems. Information about state drinking water programs and reference guides and manuals produced by the states are also included. The programs laid out in this guide are those in which the states explicitly commit to support the use of partnerships to help increase access to safe drinking water and improve operational efficiencies at drinking water systems.