AWWA JAW48090

In this article, the author stresses that water suppliers can and should play a significant role in shaping public issues and social policy. A brief background of events that have influenced the industry's overall stance on public policy is given. The author then discusses in detail the four kinds of issues water suppliers face: outsider issues raised primarily by environmental groups; insider issues less interesting to the public; local issues being raised frequently; and, public involvement in latent issues. The complexities of public opinion and the challenges of involving the public is also addressed. Includes 12 references.