The Effective Utility Management (EUM) Steering Group has submitted the final report on its review of the EUM Attributes to AMWA, EPA and the other EUM Collaborating Organizations. The review, entitled “Taking the Next Step: Findings of the Effective Utility Management Review Working Group,” explored how the operating context of water sector utilities has changed since EUM was introduced in 2007 and considered refinements to the EUM framework, along with future promotional activities in light of the changes.
The Steering Group identified key areas of change:
- accelerated adoption of automated and “smart” systems and data integration;
- growing climate variability and extremes;
- enhanced customer expectations and public awareness;
- expanded challenges associated with employee recruitment and retention;
- increased focus on resource recovery;
- regulatory requirements and operating condition changes; and
- greater consideration of stormwater and watershed management.
The recommended modifications detailed in the report to the EUM Attributes and Keys to Management Success responded to these areas of change.
The group concluded that the future success of EUM depends on regular and focused activities by the Collaborating Organizations to promote the greater use and uptake of EUM throughout the sector. The report detailed promotional activities that provided a range of actions for consideration.
AMWA’s representatives on the Steering Group were Scott Potter of Nashville Metro Water Services and Steve Schneider of St. Paul Regional Water Services. Other AMWA members participating included John Sullivan of Boston Water and Sewer Commission, Dan Roberts of Palm Bay Utilities Department and Kathryn Sorensen of Phoenix Water.
The full Steering Group report can be found online at www.amwa.net/EUM.