This powerpoint presentation begins by listing the reasons for communicating the value of water and then outlines the project approach which includes: gather information on the value of water andcommunications strategies;survey of expert panel (71 people);facilitated workshops with utility leaders;literature review of customer surveys;elected official/local government managers focusgroups;interviews with newspaper media; and,develop a model for communicating the value ofwater. The top survey issues are listed, and the experts concluded thatadequate financial resourceswill likely be the greatest challengewater and wastewater utilities faceover the next decade. Communications for three different perspectives (customers, elected/appointed officials, and utility leadership) are summarized, and a communications planning model is presented that is comprised of the following components: Evaluate Existing Situation andFuture Scenarios; Establish Utility Brand andCommunication Vision; Develop Communications Goals; Identify Needs and Gaps toAchieve Communications Goals; Establish Utility Behavior; Identify Needs and Gaps toAchieve Behavioral Goals; Prepare Communications Planand Integrate in Strategic Plan; and, Implement and MonitorCommunications Plan. The presentation cites an Awwa Research Foundation report, "Communications Guidance Manual" that will be published in 2008.
