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The Expanding Role of the Utility
Author(s) -
Tracy Mehan G.,
Carpenter Adam T.,
Via Steve
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal ‐ american water works association
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.466
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1551-8833
pISSN - 0003-150X
DOI - 10.5942/jawwa.2016.108.0179
Subject(s) - warrant , potable water , sustainability , reuse , business , function (biology) , water utility , environmental economics , frame (networking) , environmental resource management , environmental planning , water supply , computer science , economics , engineering , finance , telecommunications , environmental science , environmental engineering , ecology , evolutionary biology , biology , waste management
In addition to managing the most vital public works of a developed society, a water utility must also function as a dynamic business with limited budget and increasing expectations. Customer needs are evolving, new and enhanced services like potable reuse and improved water loss control have been coming on‐line, and the regulatory landscape is in a constant state of change. However, four trends spreading across the sector warrant particular attention: planning for sustainability, investing in source water protection, thinking beyond the meter, and using new funding sources for infrastructure renewal and replacement. Although only a part of the expanding roles of the utility, these four developments frame the increasing complexity utilities face moving forward.