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Developing Indirect Potable Reuse: Working with Stakeholders

Learn about indirect potable reuse, communication challenges, changes in the water industry, keys to success, and a successful program example in this comprehensive guide by Sara Katz.

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Developing Indirect Potable Reuse: Working with Stakeholders

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  1. You Want Me to Drink What??How Utilities Can Work with Stakeholders to Develop an Indirect Potable Reuse SystemSara KatzOctober 11, 2010 www.katzandassociates.com

  2. Today’s Agenda • Indirect potable reuse facts • Communication challenges • Changes within water industry • Keys to success • Successful program example

  3. The Facts Indirect potable reuse is: • Safe and reliable • Technically sound • Environmentally conscious • Sustainable • Necessary

  4. Terminology Sewer water “Toilet to Tap” Primary/Secondary Treatment Contaminants Discharge levels Toxins The “yuck”factor Wastewater Indirect Potable Reuse Reservoir Augmentation Unclear and negative terms lead to mixed messages

  5. Challenges • Knowledge/understanding • “Purpose and need” description • “Political football”/campaign issue • Government mistrust • Competing priorities within agencies

  6. Challenges • Defensiveness about safety • Overcoming historical opposition/failures • Disconnect within water/wastewater industry • Emerging contaminants • Media portrayal

  7. Role of the Media • “A Tall, Cold Drink of…….Sewage” – NYT, August 2009 • “Poop to Soup” – Voice of San Diego Name that Water Contest – Sept. 2010 • “Toliet to Tap” – used in many media stories – from Upper San Gabriel Valley’s project in the 1990’s

  8. What is the Real Agenda? • Dublin San Ramon – Growth inducing • Redwood City – Property values • Upper San Gabriel – Miller Brewing Co. • City of San Diego – Environmental Injustice • LA’s East Valley Project - Politics

  9. Water Industry • Unite behind common vision • Less focus on water history – more on producing “right” water for “right” use • Consistent water terminology leads to understanding

  10. Water Industry • Partnership between water supply and wastewater treatment agencies • Interconnected, valuable service providers • Collaboration vs. competition • Consider sustainability aspects • Rename water-related facilities • “Resource Recovery Plant” vs. “Sewer Plant”

  11. Keys to Success • Unified, consistent approach within proponent agencies • Outreach efforts tailored to specific project, audience and region • Opinion leaders and media – high priority audiences • Multicultural outreach (if appropriate)

  12. Keys to Success • Research and ongoing program evaluation • Consistent purpose/need message • Trained team and ample resources (people/money) • Champions – political, environmental, health, labor, etc. • Frame project early – unified voice

  13. Successful Program Orange County Groundwater Replenishment System • Consistent messages • Strong leadership • Focused outreach • Extensive research (focus groups, surveys) • Effective multicultural outreach • Frequent media and policy-maker briefings • Generous resources/commitment/priority • Kept their eye on the ball!

  14. You Want Me to Drink What?How Utilities Can Work with Stakeholders to Develop an Indirect Potable Reuse System SARA KATZ skatz@katzandassociates.com (858) 926-4001

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