本文讨论了一项分为两部分的研究，旨在了解中型和小型系统对能力发展的了解，以及它们需要什么，以符合《安全饮用水法》的要求。发现了三个矛盾:能力发展条款带来了更多的风险和机会；这些规定需要更多的时间，但也节省了时间；此外，这些规定允许各州灵活行事，同时要求各州在获得100%的饮用水州循环基金拨款的前提下，帮助系统获取和维持容量。 解决这些悖论的建议步骤将提交给州首要机构和其他团体考虑。包括8篇参考文献，。

This paper discusses a two-part study undertaken to find out what midsized and smaller systems know about capacity development and what they need in order to comply with Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. Three contradictions were found: capacity development provisions bring both more risk and more opportunity; the provisions take more time but also save time;and, the provisions allow states flexibility while requiring them, as a conditon of receiving 100 percent of their Drinking Water State Revolving Fund allotment, to help systems acquire and maintain capacity. Suggested steps to resolve these paradoxes are presented for consideration by state primacy agencies and other groups. Includes 8 references,.