Running a small system can be challenging. Along with meeting regulatory obligations and satisfying customer expectations, you may have issues with decaying infrastructure, lack of personnel, and limited financial resources. Furthermore, small systems often cost more to operate on a per capita basis than large systems because of the economy of scale. One strategy to address these challenges is to partner with other utilities. This partnership may involve loose, informal networking or more structured arrangements.

For example:

• Operator networking meetings
• Sharing personnel
• Leveraging shared purchasing power
• Helping maintain regulatory compliance
• Forming a regional water entity

When considering what type of partnership might best fit your utility’s needs, an examination of your financial health can be very helpful. The second part of the workshop will focus on ways to assess your financial health, estimating the value of your utility to help put rates into context, and data driven decision-making as a means to reduce costs.

Trainer: Heather Himmelberger, Director, Southwest Environmental Finance Center

Cost: Complimentary. Please register to reserve your spot.

CEUs: Washington Certification Services has approved this workshop for .5 CEUs for certified waterworks operators.

Who Should Attend:
• Managers, owners, and operators of small water systems serving less than 10,000 people, including local government systems and tribal systems, as well as all other types of water systems, such as: homeowners associations, mobile home parks, resorts/campgrounds, schools, prisons, and more
• 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

Contact: Tara Hackel, tshackel@unm.edu

Partners: