Commentary: Collaboration & Innovation

The National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the Water Environment Research Foundation, and the Water Environment Federation collectively hatched “the utility of the future” (UOTF) concept in 2013 in “The Water Resources Utility of the Future: A Blueprint for Action.” In this and ensuing documents, these organizations not only explain why transformative change is necessary but also provide guidance on how utilities can make the essential transformation.

Transforming into a UOTF has nothing to do with science fiction and everything to do with embracing necessary change. Impediments to this transformation are well-established. Many utility managers, procurement specialists and legal professionals in the water industry struggle with the specific changes necessary for a successful transformation. Regulatory pressures, limited budgets, political pressures and the common human hesitancy to try something different push status-quo mindsets to follow the natural inclination to stick to the same ole’ thing. Unfortunately, transformational change does not grow from status quo.