About the Searchable Clearinghouse of Wastewater Technologies (SCOWT)
The Searchable Clearinghouse of Wastewater Technology (SCOWT) is an information-sharing platform that provides resources on the cost-effectiveness and performance of innovative, alternative, and reuse wastewater technologies. SCOWT includes information for centralized and decentralized treatment systems as well as water reuse technologies. They are separated into three searchable databases featuring resources such as reports, case studies, and webinars, in addition to a map function that allows users to search resources based on geographical locations.
As communities invest in our nation’s water and wastewater infrastructure, SCOWT helps fill a critical information gap on adopted innovative, alternative, and reuse technologies, helping inform their local wastewater solutions; particularly for small, midsize, and decentralized communities. SCOWT includes information on “adopted” technologies and solutions that have demonstrated effectiveness via performance data for a particular application.
SCOWT is currently populated with EPA developed information and resources, additional resources from contributing partners, as well as external events open to the public. Additional resources will be added in the future. EPA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies, internet applications or any policies or information expressed by third parties via SCOWT.
Wastewater Technology Glossary
EPA compiled a glossary of key terms used throughout SCOWT. When available, existing definitions from EPA programs, other federal agencies, or sector sources were included. This glossary is not intended to serve as an official definition of included terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction to SCOWT
What will be in SCOWT?
SCOWT includes information for centralized and decentralized treatment systems as well as water reuse technologies. SCOWT is composed of three searchable databases featuring a variety of different resources (such as reports, case studies, and webinars). The information included highlights real-world uses of adopted innovative, alternative, and reuse wastewater technologies. SCOWT also includes a searchable map linked to the resource library, and a calendar highlighting upcoming events.
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Why was the SCOWT developed?
Communities across the country face the challenge of aging and inadequate water infrastructure. When addressing infrastructure needs, communities can move toward greater sustainability by selecting the right solution to meet each need. An important element of the infrastructure planning process is the evaluation of alternatives for meeting an infrastructure need, including innovative, alternative, and reuse solutions.
As communities invest in our nation’s water and wastewater infrastructure, SCOWT helps fill a critical information gap on adopted innovative, alternative, and reuse technologies that can help inform their local wastewater solutions – particularly for small, midsize, and decentralized communities.
In the American Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA), Congress mandated the development of the Wastewater Technology Clearinghouse as codified at 33 U.S.C. section 1314a.
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Who should use SCOWT?
SCOWT is available for public use. The information included will be beneficial to local governments and nonprofit organizations seeking federal funds. Additionally, the information presented will be relevant for wastewater treatment utilities; communities and homes that rely on decentralized systems; operators and decentralized system maintenance personnel; state, local, and tribal governments; infrastructure decision-makers; urban planners, landscape architects, and developers; and academia
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Who maintains SCOWT?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Wastewater Management maintains SCOWT.
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How will information in SCOWT be updated?
The information in SCOWT will be updated on a rolling basis as resources and events are submitted, reviewed, and approved.
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Can anyone submit materials to SCOWT?
The public can submit materials for consideration to be shared via SCOWT. If you would like to submit resource(s) for review, please complete the form under the “Submit Feedback or Resource” tab. EPA will review and consider all submissions; resources will be evaluated for inclusion to SCOWT based on the linked criteria below. EPA will not post documents that promote or endorse services or products. (Note that non-commercial links that are relevant to the topic are acceptable.) Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
EPA will only publicly share resources via SCOWT for which we have received a signed licensing agreement from the copyright owner. Users can recommend resources for which they do not own the copyrights to.
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Will materials be vetted before being included in SCOWT?
EPA will review and consider all submissions; resources will be evaluated for inclusion in SCOWT based on the linked criteria below. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
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Who can I contact about the SCOWT?
Please submit feedback about the Clearinghouse through the “Submit Feedback or Resources” tab. Additionally, you can email
SCOWT@epa.gov.
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How do I report a broken link or other technical problems with SCOWT?
Please submit technical problems about SCOWT through the “Submit Feedback or Resources” tab.
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