Miranda Kleven, PE The operation of municipal water and sewer systems is funded by charging fees to users based upon how much they use the system. In some communities, this approach has been taken to fund the repair and maintenance of streets, as well. Although not a widespread practice, the approach is popular in the states of Oregon … Read more
In 2011, 74 percent of the combined large and small system survey respondents reported providing a recycling service within their communities. This represents a slight increase from 2010, when the percentage was 72 percent. We first asked about recycling services in 2006, at which time 39 percent of systems reported a recycling program. The graphic … Read more
The 2011 AE2S North Central Utility Rate Surveys have been completed. The surveys include a summary of water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste utility rates. Also included are a variety of charts comparing statistics such as the prevalence and size of transfers from utility funds to other municipal funds, calculated financial operating ratios, recycling statistics, … Read more
AE2S is pleased to announce that the 10th annual North Central Region Utility Rate Study has been completed and will soon be distributed to all participating utilities. This year survey respondents included 84 systems greater than 5,000 people outside of the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area (referred to as Metro), 34 systems serving greater than 5,000 … Read more
AWWA and WEF Advocate a New Water Infrastructure Financing Framework In early April, members of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and Water Environment Federation (WEF) attended a Fly-In event in Washington, DC, to meet with Congressional Members for discussions regarding key issues affecting the water and wastewater industries. Among the issues highlighted was the need … Read more
Sustainability is the buzz word of the industry. Common topics include sustainable water supplies, sustainable construction methods, sustainable infrastructure, and sustainable financial management, to name a few. Sustainability is achieved when we are able to meet our needs today without compromising the opportunity for future generations to meet their needs. “Sustainability means providing an adequate and … Read more