AWWA ACE65246

This powerpoint presentation begins by listing the reasons for communicating the value of water and then outlines the project approach which includes: gather information on the value of water and communications strategies; survey of expert panel (71 people); facilitated workshops with utility leaders; literature review of customer surveys; elected official/local government managers focus groups; interviews with newspaper media; and, develop a model for communicating the value of water. The top survey issues are listed, and the experts concluded that adequate financial resources will likely be the greatest challenge water and wastewater utilities face over the next decade. Communications for three different perspectives (customers, elected/appointed officials, and utility leadership) are summarized, and a communications planning model is presented that is comprised of the following components: Evaluate Existing Situation and Future Scenarios; Establish Utility Brand and Communication Vision; Develop Communications Goals; Identify Needs and Gaps to Achieve Communications Goals; Establish Utility Behavior; Identify Needs and Gaps to Achieve Behavioral Goals; Prepare Communications Plan and Integrate in Strategic Plan; and, Implement and Monitor Communications Plan. The presentation cites an Awwa Research Foundation report, "Communications Guidance Manual" that will be published in 2008.