Many utilities have either waded or jumped headlong into customer communications and social media. But is any of it useful?
For all the expert and vital work done in the water, wastewater, and stormwater industries, it generally doesn’t make great party conversation. Unfortunately, the efforts are so taken for granted that they go largely unnoticed by the general public. So how is it that a YouTube video about a pump station garners nearly million views and counting?
As demands on the water sector increase, leaders interested in shaping the future of water management are pushing the notion that water is water, whether its drinking water, stormwater or wastewater. Doing so, according to the experts, encourages "comprehensive thinking, planning and management of our waters on a transformational scale. By Donna Vincent Roa, PhD, ABC, CSR-P
Common understanding of the role water and wastewater utilities play in our daily lives is essential for the successful and sustainable management of water and financial resources. No one knows this better than drought-plagued California. Here are a few tips for teaching the value of water, inspired by a state that’s running out of it.
Water Online Radio talks to Dr. Donna Vincent Roa, water sector communication expert and managing partner of the Vincent Roa Group, about the importance of communication and innovation in the water industry.
Aging water infrastructures can lead to issues with water quality consistency, supply availability and can cause citizens to conserve while updated systems are being implemented.
Earlier this month, the EPA published The Importance of Water in the US Economy, a follow-on report to a meeting of distinguished water leaders held December 2012 at American University on the value of water. A key finding of the report, which is based on a review of the literature and practice on the importance of water to the U.S. economy, is that it is difficult to find data that can accurately measure the true value of water to the economy. The data is elusive.
Each year, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) surveys water professionals to identify the industry’s biggest challenges and concerns, while also providing key data to help support the development of solutions. In looking at the executive summary of this year’s State of the Water Industry report, I noticed some very familiar themes, but I was also struck by a few surprises.
In the coming weeks, the U.S. House of Representatives will have the opportunity to vote on the vital Water Resource Development Act, which will provide additional financing mechanisms to help fund the overwhelming task of repairing and/or replacing our nation’s dilapidating water and wastewater infrastructure systems. It is a huge opportunity to guarantee that the products being used in these systems are of the highest quality and the tax dollars being spent to underwrite these projects will be reinvested many times over in our local economies. By Chris Keffer, executive director, Domestic First Coalition
Social media discussions can be hit or miss, but a recent one in particular caught my eye with the question: “What do you believe are the three biggest water challenges in the U.S.?” The informal survey drew great response, and a surprising number-one answer.
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