Gary B. Scott, CPMMGary B. Scott, CPMMGlenbard Wastewater AuthorityGlenbard Wastewater AuthorityGlen Ellyn, Illinois 60137Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137(630) 790-1901 x124(630) 790-1901 x124GSCOTT@GBWW.ORGGSCOTT@GBWW.ORG

What is Water is Life…..What is Water is Life…..

An education program…

Designed to inform and to motivate the general public, ratepayers, and elected officials to invest in water and wastewater infrastructure.

Water Is PreciousWater Is Precious

• 70 percent of Earth is covered by water, but only 1 percent is accessible freshwater

• Water is a renewable

resource

The Challenge…The Challenge…

Infrastructure investment has declined dramatically; community challenges continue:

Aging systemsAging systems– Costly upgrades– Regulatory demands– Growing populations

– In 10 years, water pollution levels may deteriorate to those observed in the 1970s if we do not invest in our infrastructure.

(2005 Gap Analysis) U. S. Environmental Protection Agency

The National Challenge ….

Mr. Tim Williams, WEF Managing Director of Governmental Mr. Tim Williams, WEF Managing Director of Governmental Affairs noted in part at our 2006 Annual Meeting: Affairs noted in part at our 2006 Annual Meeting:

““The very systems responsible for providing us with clean and The very systems responsible for providing us with clean and safe water are at or near the breaking point. Simply put, the safe water are at or near the breaking point. Simply put, the pipes and pumps that do the job under our streets and in our pipes and pumps that do the job under our streets and in our facilities – Infrastructure – are getting older and falling facilities – Infrastructure – are getting older and falling apart…..The last national initiative to improve our facilities was apart…..The last national initiative to improve our facilities was over 34 years ago, and those gains are in danger. The over 34 years ago, and those gains are in danger. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that Congressional Budget Office estimates that $485 Billion - $1.2 $485 Billion - $1.2 TrillionTrillion is needed over the next 20 years to make the necessary is needed over the next 20 years to make the necessary improvements across the country.”improvements across the country.”

The Central States Challenge ….

• Needs in the CSWEA geographic area determined as of 2005 Needs in the CSWEA geographic area determined as of 2005 indicated:indicated:

Illinois Illinois WisconsinWisconsin MinnesotaMinnesota WaterWater $6.15 B$6.15 B $3.10 B$3.10 B $3.01B$3.01B WastewaterWastewater $4.89 B$4.89 B $3.33 B$3.33 B $2.61B$2.61B

• ARRA Submissions in the CSWEA geographic area (5/12/09)ARRA Submissions in the CSWEA geographic area (5/12/09) Illinois Illinois WisconsinWisconsin MinnesotaMinnesota

WaterWater $4.75 B$4.75 B $177 M$177 M $3.01B$3.01B WastewaterWastewater $ 6.2 B$ 6.2 B $ 1.1 B$ 1.1 B $2.31B$2.31B

• ARRA Funding in the CSWEA geographic areaARRA Funding in the CSWEA geographic area Illinois Illinois WisconsinWisconsin MinnesotaMinnesota

WaterWater $ 80M$ 80M $ 77 M$ 77 M $ 60 M$ 60 M WastewaterWastewater $180M$180M $175 M$175 M $165 M$165 M

So, What’s the Problem?So, What’s the Problem?

The need to reinvestThe need to reinvest

in our water and in our water and

wastewater wastewater

infrastructureinfrastructureIn 10 years, water pollution levels may deteriorate to those

observed in the 1970s if we do not invest in our infrastructure.(2005 Gap Analysis) U. S. Environmental Protection Agency

Local Governments need to be committed to …Local Governments need to be committed to …

Reversing the declining investment in America’s infrastructure by implementing a program that will

educate and

motivate public

support for

Infrastructure

What to Do? Strategy OverviewWhat to Do? Strategy Overview

• Organize an effective allianceOrganize an effective alliance

• Mobilize and equip your water & Mobilize and equip your water & wastewater utility with tools and wastewater utility with tools and materialsmaterials needed

• Create public outreachCreate public outreach

Target Audiences - InternalTarget Audiences - Internal

• WEF Member Associations

• Allied Organizations / Professions

• Water & Wastewater Utilities

• Committees

Target Audiences - ExternalTarget Audiences - External

• General Public / Ratepayers• Funding Decision Makers• Business Leaders• Opinion Leaders• Civic Leaders• Reporters

WEF Provides the ToolsWEF Provides the Tools

- Centerpiece brochure

- Folder

- Fact sheets

- FAQs

- Talking points

- PowerPoint presentations

- How-to guide

WEF Provides the ToolsWEF Provides the Tools

- Media kits

Sample press releases

Sample opinion articles & editorials

Sample letters to the editor

- Campaign models

Bill stuffers

Sample display ads / PSAs

- Topic brochures

What Can We Do to Support What Can We Do to Support Water is LifeWater is LifeSet a specific goal to support the program for 2009…

Example: An increased understanding among elected leaders of the connection between the benefits of clean, safe water and the infrastructure systems that provide it.

Seek support and run “Liquid Assets” public service program on local public television stations, to increase public awareness of critical funding needs.

What Can We Do to Support What Can We Do to Support Water is LifeWater is Life

Be a Champion…

• Establish or join a CSWEA Committee to lead responsibility for educational activities or implement a public outreach program

What Can We Do to Support What Can We Do to Support Water is Life…Water is Life…

Utilize the Website…

• Create an announcement on your Utility or Community website, link it to the National site: www.waterislife.net

What Can We Do to Support What Can We Do to Support Water is Life…Water is Life…Participate..…

• Give a presentation to Civic Organizations in your area

• Get on the agenda of Community Board, Mayors or County

electives, etc.,

Target AudiencesTarget Audiences

Audience Message Action

Local Rate-Payers Value of Services Support Bonds

City Council Members Capital Funding Priority Vote Sufficient Funds

State Legislators Public Health Needs Loan & Grant Programs

WWTP Neighbors Professional WWTP Approach Community Support

What Can You Do to Support What Can You Do to Support Water is Life…Water is Life…

Focus on the Media…

• Visit local editorial boards, pass out materials

• Capitalize on any local event/issue and develop a press release

What Can You Do to Support What Can You Do to Support Water is Life…Water is Life…

Focus on elected officials…

• Send the CS Water to Mayors and County electives, etc., when articles address infrastructure

• Hold a seminar; Coordinate a brown bag luncheon or workshop and invite local elected officials, utility board members, and the press

What Can You Do to Support What Can You Do to Support Water is Life…Water is Life…

Go ahead, preach to the choir…

• Talk about the infrastructure investment gap whenever possible

• Create a Buzz– Member Association Meetings– Working Associates– Phone Contacts

Do You Know the Answer?Do You Know the Answer?

Questions

Linda KellyLinda KellyManaging Director, Public CommunicationsManaging Director, Public CommunicationsWater Environment FederationWater Environment Federation703-684-2448703-684-2448LKelly@wef.orgLKelly@wef.org