We are focusing initially on public-private partnerships. Public-private partnerships are arrangements between public agencies responsible for water and wastewater treatment and private companies that provide operational services on a contractual basis. We want to help communities evaluate when partnerships may be appropriate and understand how to manage them effectively. We also want to communicate how our industry is helping our nation meet its water infrastructure needs. Finally, we seek to understand how we can do even more to advance the clean water cause. Our early efforts include the following:
Case Studies
We have developed comprehensive case studies of partnerships in which our members are currently participating. These case studies include a wide variety of partnerships: those for large urban areas and small cities, for water treatment plants as well as wastewater plants, and for efforts developed under design-build-operate contracts, operational services contracts, and longer term concessionary contracts. These case studies detail the results of public-private partnerships in terms of environmental stewardship, customer service, cost savings, and labor relations. They are published electronically on this Web site. They provide a valuable resource to elected officials, public works managers, and the public at large.
Handbook
We have developed a handbook on public-private partnerships based on case studies and interviews. This definitive book helps to guide communities on when to enter into such partnerships and how to structure and manage partnerships in a manner that yields maximum benefits to the community and the consumers.
Water Needs
We help to inform the current debate on how best to meet the water conservation programs and the infrastructure needs of our country. The expected needs over the coming decades are substantial, and we claim our industry is part of the solution. Our members look forward to working with Congress, US EPA and the executive branches at both federal and state levels as this country grapples with how best to meet the water infrastructure challenge.
