AWWA JTMGT61329

This slide presentation outlines information on the AWWA publication, "Avoiding Rate Shock: Making the Case for Water Rates." Goals of the project include: analyze how community decision-makers set goals; explore how utilities can align rates with the best interests of the communities they serve; and, provide practical tools for building stakeholder support for necessary rate increases. Findings of in-depth interviews with various categories of stakeholders included: water is under-valued, which increases challenges in getting rate increases accepted; consistent communication promotes credibility & acceptance; it's never too late to start doing the right thing - think long-term and plan beyond the current crisis; and, billing practices and rate structure options can affect customer reactions and acceptance of rate increases.