Description: In this virtual training, attendees will learn about drought and drought response for drinking water utilities. The presentation focuses on the technical, managerial and financial impacts – and responses – to drought for water utilities. The technical portion includes a focus on water supply behavior, changes to prioritization of water supplies to increase resilience and exploring for new sources, including interconnections.

The managerial section includes discussion of numerous potential management actions that can help a system sustain service through an ongoing drought and to build resilience for future droughts. This includes discussion of TCEQ Drought Contingency Plans, demand-side options, water auditing, water conservation programs and approaches to analyzing customer usage to understand what is driving water usage in a specific utility.

The financial section includes information on potential impacts to the financial status of utilities during drought, mitigation options to minimize the impact of irrigation restrictions and information on smart metering for drought resilience. Discussion of differing rate structures is also included. Join us to gain practical insights and strategies that can help drinking water systems prepare for, respond to, and build resilience against inevitable drought conditions.

Trainer: Nicholas Willis, Senior Program Manager, Wichita State University Environmental Finance Center

CEUs: This training has been submitted for pre-approval of continuing education credits though we cannot guarantee it. Regardless, we will provide attendees with a Certificate of Attendance for their personal record.

Who Should Attend:

• Managers, owners, and operators of water systems serving less than 10,000 people
• Decision-makers for water 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 systems

Partner: