The American Public Works Assn. (APWA) and seven influential water associations, in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), announced the release of the Effective Utility Management (EUM) Report at the National Water Policy Forum in Washington, D.C.
The American Water Works Assn.; Assn. of Metropolitan Water Agencies; National Assn. of Clean Water Agencies; National Assn. of Water Companies; Assn. of Clean Water Agencies; Assn. of State Drinking Water Administrators; and Water Environment Federation contributed to the report.
The APWA along with EPA and major water associations titled the report ‘Taking the Next Step: Findings of the Effective Utility Management Review Steering Group,” to identify refinements to the effective utility management framework, which includes 10 Attributes of Effectively Managed Utilities and five Keys to Management Success. The 10 attributes are considered building blocks of effectively managed water sector utilities.
“APWA is proud to partner with these seven leading water associations and the EPA to focus on the need for a continuum of water utility management opportunities,” said APWA Executive Director Scott Grayson. “The EUM Report launched by the key water organizations is positioned as an enhancement of the EUM framework, and the organization partners are the best resources for local, state and federal governments. APWA is ready to assist in this important effort to find solutions to water infrastructure issues.”
The Effective Utility Management Collaborating Organizations have worked since 2007 on the EUM framework. In 2015, these organizations asked a Steering Group of utility and state leaders to review the EUM framework, originally developed by water industry leaders in 2007. The steering group also convened two national webinars for the members of the collaborating organizations.
The key areas of change in the water sector since 2007 behind the findings in the EUM report include an accelerated adoption of automated and “smart” systems; data integration; growing climate variability; public awareness; regulatory requirements; and consideration of storm water and watershed management.
More information about the EUM Report can be found on the Watereum website.
Source: American Public Works Assn.
