For several years, the RCAP network has been extensively involved in facilitating the formation of mutual aid agreements between water and wastewater utilities.  These mutual aid agreements are called Water/Wastewater Agency Response Networks, or WARNs. 

It seems like gas prices are always rising. Food prices are up. Clothing prices are up. Energy prices, yeah, up. Chances are, so are your expenses.
Yep, it’s crunch time. Economic crunch, that is.
With prices and expenses rising all around you, it may be time to re-evaluate your utility’s rates. Are your current customer rates sufficient? Are you short of funds to make basic infrastructure repairs? Should you charge full-cost pricing or try to supplement the costs with outside sources?

A successful water or wastewater system isn’t just about equipment, water sources, treatment systems or finances. It’s also about who’s in charge. In many cases, water and wastewater systems are run by a board of directors.

Originally published in On Tap magazine's Winter 2002 edition

by Kathy Jesperson, On Tap Managing Editor

Threats to drinking water supplies are not new. Almost every water supply system is at risk to natural hazards, such as floods, drought, earthquakes, landslides, storms, and high winds. Consequently, many systems already have emergency preparedness plans in place. In most cases, though, unless the system actually experienced an emergency, the plans just simply take up shelf space.