AWWA ACE95169

In the last ten years, water treatment plants have undergone significant changes in design, not only to accommodate new processes, but also as a result of new Environmental Protection Agency rules, and of recently implemented EIR and public disclosure processes. Water districts must now explain, and sometimes defend, the policies, processes and even the buildings used to provide water to the public. Keeping the public adequately informed of a utility's operations and policies can be accomplished in many ways. This paper presents several methods to keep the public informed about a utility's operations. The authors offer suggestions such as public notices, meetings, and inserts in customer bills to help keep the public aware of plant policies and changes. Allowing lay people to visit limited areas at the water treatment facility also offers another level of public relations to encourage public awareness. Several other public outreach program ideas are offered, along with the difficulties associated with the implementation of each plan.