WWEMA – What the Utility Infrastructure Management Experts Discussed

From April 13 to15, in Washington D.C., the WWEMA (Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturers Association Inc.) Forum brought together hundreds of water industry leaders and experts to discuss the future of water and wastewater needs across the USA and how to gain funding for these needs.

The EPA’s new Finance Center came under discussion and it was observed that this center’s priority seems to be directed at small to medium-sized communities, with Stormwater and green infrastructure in focus to improving community resiliency.

They also discussed how, besides federal funding, public-private partnerships may play a very vital role in securing the ever-elusive funding required to complete and begin infrastructure projects nationwide.

Water Online reports,

“From an equipment technology manufacturer’s perspective, while these initiatives are critical as are new EPA regulations that drive treatment, there seems to be an ever-widening gap between the documented infrastructure need and the will to pay for these improvements. It seems that money can be brought to the table — so why isn’t it being used?

At the end of the day, it ultimately falls to the will of the municipality or utility to take on these infrastructure projects. Whether a system is small, medium or large, funding can be made available — so what’s stopping us?

In many cases, I think it is the nature of public utilities and the elected government structure that does not want to raise rates, taxes, etc. So … what if all water systems were regulated as a public utility under the various state public utility commissions and services?

Would we see spending and needed infrastructure projects get off the ground if utilities had mandates to provide services in full compliance and a way to require funding those improvements through an outside regulatory process? Just a thought worth considering…”

The forum has provided much food for thought for all parties in the water and wastewater management sector of the USA.

However, there are still many obstacles to be overcome in the industry and vigilance is needed, along with well-planned utility infrastructure management principles and practices.