Effective Water Utility Management Practices
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with national water associations and utility leaders, has updated its Effective Utility Management (EUM) framework to assist water utilities in enhancing their operational, financial, and managerial capacities. This initiative aims to help utilities address challenges such as aging infrastructure, workforce recruitment, and evolving technologies by providing a structured approach to continuous improvement. The updated EUM Primer and Roadmap, released in August 2024, offer guidance for utilities of all sizes to assess their current performance and implement best practices tailored to their specific needs.
Central to the EUM framework are the Ten Attributes of Effectively Managed Utilities, which encompass key areas like product quality, customer satisfaction, and financial viability. The EPA also provides tools and resources, including self-assessment guides and performance benchmarking instruments, to support utilities in applying the EUM principles. By adopting these practices, utilities can work towards long-term sustainability and improved service delivery for their communities.