There is only one thing we love more than free webinars and easy access to them: a repository of past webinars ready-for-viewing! We came across two different listings of archived webinars recently:

1. Webinars on Demand from The Groundwater Foundation
Fifteen webinar trainings on relevant groundwater topics. Perfect for newer operators as well as board member training.

2. Past Webcasts from USEPA's Watershed Academy
More that 60 archived webcasts on a broad range of clean water issues.

We know you don't have a ton of extra time, but web-based training is often the next best thing to in person interaction. You can see and hear examples, which makes the information easier to digest and remember. We'll be adding these to our document library so you can always find the training you need, when you need it.

Earlier this year, we picked free & low cost webinars as one of the things we love here at SmallWaterSupply.org - and we still love 'em. Webinars are web-based training seminars and events that you watch and listen to from your computer.

In fact, so many other organizations love them too. In the face of budget cuts, many training providers are turning to these online training formats to still reach you. So many in fact, we have found the need to do a better job of keeping track of them all for you.

On the front page of SmallWaterSupply.org we've swapped out out around-the-nation style events calendar for a listing of free (and only free) webinars that you can attend wherever you have an internet connection. Just as we did before, we'll keep this listing updated with the events coming up soon. Some of these events offer CEUs!

Do you attend webinars? We've love to know what you think of this format. Please tell us in the comments.

SmallWaterSupply.org Loves: WaterTowers.com

Over the summer, we shared why water towers have an important marketing value in your community. I'd like to continue the celebration of water towers (and Fridays!) with a link to a fun website.

WaterTowers.com "showcases the most unique and interesting water towers across the world." On this site you can find some remarkable photos and videos of water towers as well as a location map to find out what towers are near you! The site also offers educational information, making it a great resource for teachers and parents too!

Last but certainly not least, there's even a rap song and music video honoring the water tower:

Do you have a favorite water tower picture or a story to share? Let us know in the comments!

SmallWaterSupply.org Loves: Self-Paced Training for the CUPSS Software

CUPSS, the Check Up Program for Small Systems, is US EPA's asset management desktop program designing specifically for small drinking water and wastewater systems. Recently, EPA completed a series of online, interactive training modules for the software:

Asset Management 101
Explains the fundamentals of asset management and how a community can get started.This lesson discusses why assets should be managed and a brief introduction of how to manage them by using the CUPSS software.

Setting Up CUPSS
Shows how to download and set-up the CUPSS software. This lesson also includes information on the basic computer requirements for running CUPSS, how to log in and navigate the software, and how to obtain user help support.

My Inventory and My Asset Check Up Report
Introduces the My Inventory module and explains how to create an asset inventory and an asset schematic. This lesson also shows how to create a customized asset report through the My Asset Check Up Report.

My O&M and Search
Introduces the My O&M module and shows how to enter operation and maintenance (O&M) tasks.This lesson also shows how the search features can be used to display and print reports of assets entered in the My Inventory module and tasks or work orders entered in the My O&M module.

My Finances and My Financial Check Up Report
Introduces the My Finances module and shows how to enter annual financial budgeted and actual revenues and expenses.This lesson also shows how to develop a 10-year financial projection through the My Financial Check Up Report.

My CUPSS Plan
Introduces the My CUPSS Plan module and shows the steps in developing a customized asset management plan. This lesson also introduces the CUPSS example system, Beauty View Acres, and will conclude by showing how systems can use their asset management plans to improve internal utility operations, outside communication with decision makers, as well as implementing the other initiatives expected of them.

With these self-paced classes, you don't have to wait for a web-based or in-person training event to begin learning and using CUPSS!