Full Description

When AWWA members asked for more trend informationabout where the drinking water industrywas headed, the association responded with theState of the Industry (SOTI) survey. The objectives ofthis first survey were to begin the process of recognizingand tracking significant trends within the waterindustry; to identify critical concerns, especially emergingissues and those not being adequately addressed; toestablish a baseline of information that would facilitatetracking these trends from year to year; to gauge waterprofessionals' perception of the relative health of theindustry; to collect specific data that could help theindustry prioritize programs and services, and toexpand on the association's role as a source of informationand a facilitator of an industry-wide forum addressingessential water issues.In April 2004, surveys were mailed to more than10,000 AWWA members, and responses were receivedfrom more than 1,500 utility personnel, serviceproviders, and individuals. When asked which issueswere the most critical facing the water profession,respondents cited five areas of concern: regulatoryfactors, security, business factors (especially funding),source water supply, and water storage/distribution.Despite the major challenges confronting them, however,survey respondents rated the industry relativelysound overall.Although this inaugural survey provides a wealthof information, the real value of the SOTI study willonly become apparent in years to come. By conductingthe survey on an annual basis, AWWA will beable to track trends, create a yearly snapshot ofwhere the industry has focused its resources in thepast 12 months, and help determine where thoseresources would be most effectively directed in thefuture. Includes table, figures.

Product Details

Edition: Vol. 96 - No. 12 Published: 12/01/2004 Number of Pages: 11File Size: 1 file , 360 KB