本文讨论了拉丁美洲和美国小城镇水处理设施的差异，包括区域化、融资和设计。本文中使用的示例取自巴西的经验。拉丁美洲的小城镇由一个区域组织提供服务。通过这些区域组织，可以通过政府贷款的形式向较小的城镇提供财政援助，政府贷款与社区的生活成本挂钩。在拉丁美洲，水处理厂的设计比较简单。至少使用泵、电机和其他动力设备。标准化处理厂设计中使用了模块化和预制组件。作者认为，这些概念可以很容易地在美国使用。包括1个参考、表格、图表。

This article discusses the differences between Latin American and US water treatment facilities for small cities and towns, which include regionalization, financing, and design. Examples used in this article are taken from experiences in Brazil. Smaller cities and towns in Latin America are served by a regional organization. Financial assistance to smaller cities and towns is available through these regional organizations in the form of government loans which are indexed to the cost of living of the community. Water treatment plant design is simpler in Latin America. A minimum of pumps, motors, and other power equipment is employed. Modular and prefabricated components are utilized in standardized treatment plant designs. The author suggests that these concepts could easily be adapted for use in the United States. Includes 1 reference, table, figures.