When AWWA members asked for more trend information
about where the drinking water industry
was headed, the association responded with the
State of the Industry (SOTI) survey. The objectives of
this first survey were to begin the process of recognizing
and tracking significant trends within the water
industry; to identify critical concerns, especially emerging
issues and those not being adequately addressed; to
establish a baseline of information that would facilitate
tracking these trends from year to year; to gauge water
professionals' perception of the relative health of the
industry; to collect specific data that could help the
industry prioritize programs and services, and to
expand on the association's role as a source of information
and a facilitator of an industry-wide forum addressing
essential water issues.
In April 2004, surveys were mailed to more than
10,000 AWWA members, and responses were received
from more than 1,500 utility personnel, service
providers, and individuals. When asked which issues
were the most critical facing the water profession,
respondents cited five areas of concern: regulatory
factors, security, business factors (especially funding),
source water supply, and water storage/distribution.
Despite the major challenges confronting them, however,
survey respondents rated the industry relatively
sound overall.
Although this inaugural survey provides a wealth
of information, the real value of the SOTI study will
only become apparent in years to come. By conducting
the survey on an annual basis, AWWA will be
able to track trends, create a yearly snapshot of
where the industry has focused its resources in the
past 12 months, and help determine where those
resources would be most effectively directed in the
future. Includes table, figures.
| Edition : | Vol. 96 - No. 12 |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 360 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 11 |
| Published : | 12/01/2004 |
