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By Neil Strother

Pike Research

The collaborative document, called “The Water Resources Utility of the Future: A Blueprint for Action,” was produced by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), Water Environmental Research Foundation (WERF), and Water Environmental Federation (WEF).  This ambitious plan faces some major hurdles.  However, given its scope and the array of organizations behind it, the blueprint could have a far-reaching impact on water management, if it doesn’t get bogged down somewhere along its zealous path.

To encourage and support utilities of the future (UOTFs), the blueprint envisions “transformational thinking” and bold action in four main areas:

·         Legislative and regulatory, calling at one point for a new congressional caucus on UOTF to raise awareness among legislators and the public, as well as state-level legislation to address wastewater issues

·         Institutional and programmatic, for example, acknowledging and paying for storm water management as part of a broader integrated water management approach

·         Financial and risk management, for instance, expanding federal grants on UOTF initiatives and using financial incentives to reclaim and reduce wastewater

·         Utility leadership and internal management, encouraging the adoption of “lean” operations and the use of Six Sigma tools for continuous process improvement

The 48-page blueprint also calls for accelerating the pace of technology innovation in this sector by establishing a new advanced research and development (R&D) program for clean water, and applying a pooled risk-sharing strategy and reciprocity for technology approval across the 50 states.

The main legislative goal outlined in the blueprint is a new 21^st Century Watershed Act that builds on the 40-year-old Clean Water Act, one that provides a new framework for the water challenges of today.  Yet the goals are broader than simply influencing federal policymakers; they include influencing local utility managers, private-sector interests, state and local governments, and other stakeholders involved in clean water, drinking water, energy and agricultural activities.

This comprehensive call to action pulls few punches on why utilities have been slow to act, and it calls for a wide range of steps to be taken to move the needle.  But its focus on legislative action seems optimistic.  Though given these groups have a strong lobbying mandate, this emphasis is to be expected.  

The plan embraces new technologies to help solve issues, and mentions private-sector incentives.  However, the proposed financing mechanisms for these programs are specified, and there are controversial proposals sure to trouble some people.  Getting bipartisan support from a currently divided Congress makes it almost a non-starter. 

Is such a comprehensive blueprint too grandiose?  Probably.  But it’s a start, and with refinements could help move utilities toward greater efficiency and set the stage for greater cooperation among all stakeholders.  If nothing else, this is a serious attempt to address water management issues that, if unaddressed, will pose grave risks to society in the coming years. 

This document also rightly points out that existing water and wastewater systems are not badly broken, but rather in need of bold ideas and new technologies that can enhance the foundation laid down by the original Clean Water Act.

If water and wastewater are important issues to you, then be sure to sign up for and attend Pike Research’s upcoming free Smart Water webinar, which will take place March 12 at 2 p.m. EDT.

Neil Strother is a senior research analyst contributing to Pike Research’s Smart Grid practice, with a focus on smart metering technologies and related business practices.

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