Page 74 - Urban water supply handbook

STRATEGIC PLANNING FRAMEWORK FOR SMALL WATER SYSTEMS

SMALL WATER SYSTEMS PLANNING 2.7

operations. Still others might enter into long-term partnership agreements with
other systems (such as satellite management) or merge utilities altogether to har-
ness scale economies and improve service quality. The water system’s structure
and roles should be revisited throughout the strategic planning process.

2.3.3 Step 3: Identify Challenges and Opportunities

In the third step, planners look outside of the utility organization and systemati-
cally consider the full range of challenges and opportunities for the water system.
By accounting for challenges and opportunities through the planning process, the
water system can position itself strategically to meet challenges effectively and
take full advantage of opportunities.
The particular needs of individual water systems vary, but some challenges are
common to many water systems today. Some of the more significant sources of
pressure are compliance with regulatory standards (drinking water and other),
financial constraints and rate concerns, rising consumer expectations, water sup-
ply quality or quantity issues, substantial infrastructure needs, changing demand
and demographic patterns, and competition from other providers. For some water
systems, the external environment can exert significant pressure for tactical or
structural change. Water planners should strive to identify the particular pressures
that will affect the water system across its planning horizon.
Drinking water regulations are a major force driving the need for strategic
planning because of the certainty of the SDWA compliance schedule. Many
external forces do not follow a predictable time line, but regulations contain
fixed dates by which compliance must be achieved. The specific types of activ-
ities that utilities will be required to undertake in order to comply with SDWA
regulations will vary greatly from one utility to the next. Compliance with dif-
ferent rules requires focus on different types of activities. Most rules involve
some monitoring, some involve optimization of existing treatment processes;
others involve installation of major new treatment equipment; and others require
strong management attention. 3
In addition to the SDWA, water systems must also comply with the Clean
Water Act, as well as a number of other federal, state, and local regulatory stan-
dards. These include regulations concerning environmental impacts, resource pro-
tection, endangered species, public health, local finances, historic preservation,
occupational safety and health, minority businesses, Americans with disabilities.
Water systems must understand the full range of existing and emerging regulations
with which they must comply and incorporate compliance planning in the strate-
gic planning.
Despite the many challenges they face, many water systems also enjoy a num-
ber of opportunities. These include, but are not limited to, programs for educating
and training personnel, technical assistance from governmental agencies and pro-

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