Description: Small water and wastewater utilities face challenges stemming from aging infrastructure, rising operating costs, workforce shortages, regulatory requirements, and the need to offer affordable rates to their customers. This two-hour training is designed to help Virginia water and wastewater professionals strengthen the long-term financial sustainability of their systems while continuing to provide reliable service and protect public health.

Participants will explore the financial and operational challenges facing utilities today and learn practical strategies for building resilience through asset management, capital improvement planning, rate setting, workforce development, and long-term financial planning. The course emphasizes proactive decision-making and sustainable utility management practices that help systems address infrastructure needs before emergencies occur.

Through real-world examples and interactive discussions, attendees will better understand how financial planning, leadership, and strategic investment work together to build resilient utility systems that are prepared for future challenges. The training applies to both small and medium-sized drinking water and wastewater utilities throughout Virginia.

Learning Objectives: 

Upon completion of this training, participants should be able to:

• Identify major financial and infrastructure challenges facing water and wastewater utilities.
• Explain the principles of financial resilience and utility sustainability.
• Recognize the role of asset management in long-term financial planning.
• Evaluate approaches for balancing affordability, compliance, and revenue stability.
• Understand the importance of capital improvement planning and infrastructure reinvestment.
• Apply effective rate-setting concepts that support system sustainability.
• Recognize workforce challenges and strategies for knowledge transfer and succession planning.
• Develop practical actions that can improve the long-term financial health of their utility.

• Managers, owners, and operators of community water systems and wastewater treatment systems
• Decision-makers for water and wastewater utilities, including mayors, finance officers, utility managers, public works directors, city councilors, board members, tribal council members, and clerks
• Consultants and technical assistance providers serving water and wastewater systems

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