One of the biggest challenges for water utilities is having sufficient resources to meet all the needs of the utility.  Almost everything a utility does takes money. One area in which a utility has the potential to “make money” is by saving water. Water that is not reaching customers costs money to produce but no one is paying for it. Water that reaches customers but isn’t paid for (due to bad metering, water theft, or data errors) is another equally problematic issue.  By addressing these types of issues, a utility can cut its costs and increase its revenues. This workshop will present ways in which a utility can assess its non-revenue water and develop a plan to address it. We will also talk about utility mapping, pipe replacement options, rates and fiscal planning, funding options for capital projects and other ways a water utility may be able to reduce their costs by working with their neighbors and their customers.

Following the formal part of the workshop, utilities will have a chance to meet one-on-one with personnel from state regulatory and funding agencies as well as technical assistance providers to discuss particular issues they may be facing or needs they have. Systems should bring mapping information or information regarding infrastructure projects they are considering to the workshop so that they can be discussed with agency personnel. This is a great opportunity to have in-depth questions answered.

We will also invite a speaker from the National Weather Service or the Texas Division of Emergency Management to talk about weather issues – what’s coming and how it might impact water utilities.

Trainer: Dawn Nall, Program Manager – Southwest Environmental Finance Center

Contact: Francine Stefan, mfstefan@unm.edu

Credit Hours: This training is approved for up to 5.0 credit hours awarded to water system operators licensed in the State of Texas who complete the approved training in its entirety. Course Code: 1437

Cost: FREE. Space is limited. Please register to reserve your spot.

Partners:

Resources:
Presentation Slides