For both short-term efficiencies and long-term stability, your small water system will need a strong business structures and clear and effective governance. From how the day-to-day administration is conducted to planning for sustainability, it will be important to have an ownership model and business structure that supports your system's needs. And will need in place governance that is accountable and capable of making short- and long-term decisions.

The first section, Ownership Types for Small Water Systems, gives an overview of the various types of ownership that are options for small water systems, with the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

That is followed in the section Governance by a discussion of what is expected for those in governance positions in your system.