AWWA ACE62997

This slide presentation outlines information on the value of Public Advisory Groups that allow stakeholders to: get to know the issues; form relationships with the utility; identify what is politically feasible; and, act as third party endorsers in the end. Two case studies are presented. The City of San Diego Water Department created a strategic plan for a Water Supply Public Advisory Group that: included all stakeholder groups; met for one year; delved into all the details; made a recommendation; and, sold the plan. Aspects of media and community outreach are listed. The second case study was at the Southern Nevada Water Authority and involved creating the Integrated Resource Plan Advisory Committee to deal with issues concerning: a single intake, treatment and delivery system serving the entire Las Vegas valley; significant bottlenecks in the system preventing effective delivery; inability to draw full allotment due to capacity issues; water quality goals; and, a quarter penny sales tax needed. Success factors and common mistakes are given for communicating the value of water through Public Advisory Groups.