AWWA publishes how-to guide about communicating the value of water

The American Water Works Association has announced the release of its newest publication, Communicating Water’s Value: Talking Points, Tips & Strategies by Melanie Goetz. Water professionals are responsible for shaping and sometimes changing consumers’ perceptions about water’s value. Consumers can mistakenly undervalue water’s worth by assuming it should be provided at no cost to the public. Communicating Water’s Value by Melanie Goetz outlines how water professionals can encourage customers to appreciate water as the precious commodity it is by driving the message that it needs to be paid for just like other valuable services.

Communicating Water’s Value offers tips and tools to assist managers, rate setting board members, communications staff and employees at both small and large utilities in shaping public perception about the value of water. The tactics outlined can especially be useful during situations such as advocating for proposed rate hikes or when conservation measures are needed. Communicating Water’s Value also includes “success stories” from various utilities and corporations that implemented strategies that effectively shaped and changed the public’s perception of the value of water.

Communicating Water’s Value: Talking Points, Tips & Strategies is available in AWWA’s online store.