This article describes a statistical analysis of small water systems’ turbidity data within the framework of a logic model for the USEPA's Performance-Based Training (PBT) program. The logic model shows the theoretical linkages between optimization training for small system operators; operator application of optimization techniques; improvements in plant filtration performance; and public health protection. The analysis comprised two phases. For the first phase, the authors used Bayesian analysis of turbidity data to test the statistical significance of changes in finished water quality resulting from training for small water system operators. For the second phase, the authors estimated the potential health benefits resulting from measured improvements in filtration performance. Considering only the improved removal of the pathogen Cryptosporidium, the expected annual health benefit of PBT is about ten fewer cases of infection per thousand persons served (within a 95% credible interval 0 to 18 fewer infections), though there may be benefits associated with the removal of other pathogens. The article also describes factors contributing to uncertainty in the estimated potential health benefits. The proposed two-phase approach supports the USEPA's development of drinking water program indicators which are meaningful, measurable, broadly applicable and change-sensitive.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
Research Article|
October 01 2008
Measuring the effectiveness of performance-based training
William Bowman;
1USEPA Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water, Drinking Water Protection Division, Protection Branch, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, MC 4606M, Washington, DC 20460, USA
Tel.: (202) 564-3782 Fax: (202) 564-3755; E-mail: [email protected]
Search for other works by this author on:
Michael Messner;
Michael Messner
2USEPA Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water, Standards and Risk Management Division, Standards and Risk Reduction Branch, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, MC 4607M, Washington, DC 20460, USA
Search for other works by this author on:
Stig Regli;
Stig Regli
2USEPA Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water, Standards and Risk Management Division, Standards and Risk Reduction Branch, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, MC 4607M, Washington, DC 20460, USA
Search for other works by this author on:
Jon Bender
Jon Bender
3USEPA Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water, Standards and Risk Management Division, Technical Support Center, 26 W. Martin Luther King Drive, MS 140, Cincinnati, OH 45628, USA
Search for other works by this author on:
J Water Health (2009) 7 (1): 155–167.
Article history
Received:
January 04 2008
Accepted:
April 05 2008
Citation
William Bowman, Michael Messner, Stig Regli, Jon Bender; Measuring the effectiveness of performance-based training. J Water Health 1 March 2009; 7 (1): 155–167. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/wh.2009.004
Download citation file: