AWWA WQTC55104

Accreditation builds upon the drinking water profession's long standing commitment to protecting public health. This paper describes how the program is uniquely designed by utility leaders and technical practitioners to address the needs of water and wastewater utilities. It will serve water and wastewater utilities and their customers, owners, and government regulators by promoting service quality and management efficiency. Accreditation will establish uniform performance standards and promote industry self-regulation. Recognized independent companies will audit utilities in accordance with standards developed by AWWA. Conducting the accreditation audit process through independent partners will add credibility and authentication to a program designed to incorporate self-regulation. The program is intended to offer accredited utilities financial benefits as they become better investment risks, trustworthy reputations in the regulatory community and increased consumer satisfaction among their ratepayers.