NACWA is pleased to announce the release of its White Paper , Impacts of the Current Economy on Public Clean Water Agencies.  This paper provides an initial exploration of the issues facing public wastewater treatment facilities resulting from recent trends in the economy.  The paper has three sections: 1) a discussion of the trends that are impacting, or may significantly impact, public clean water agencies; 2) a discussion of the potential impacts from a theoretical perspective; and 3) an overview of responses to a recent NACWA survey on the economic downturn, identifying challenges and impacts resulting from the economic downturn. 

Building on its web seminar, The Economic Downturn — Impacts & Opportunities, this paper constitutes a continuation of an effort by NACWA to facilitate an in-depth discussion among its members and key committees regarding how public clean water agencies from coast-to-coast are impacted by a severe economic downturn.  NACWA’s longer-term goal is to build on this white paper and continue the discussion on these issues in order to develop some helpful strategies to mitigate and minimize harmful impacts during these uncertain economic conditions, while also seizing on potential opportunities that also may be available during an economic downturn.  For example, this paper touches on the opportunity of significant stimulus package funding for the Nation’s clean water agencies — an outcome made possible by difficult economic conditions coupled with significant preparation and data gathered by NACWA and other key organizations to bolster the need for such funding and the municipal and state ability to target it to ready-to-go projects.  

The white paper was developed by Jon Friar, PhD, Executive Professor at Northeastern University.  Friar will also be providing an address focused on his findings, along with additional information, at NACWA’s Winter Conference, Controlling Chaos: Managing Capital Costs in an Uncertain Economic Environment, next week in Atlanta.  Specifically, he will be speaking during the morning session on Thursday, February 5, 2009 on the topic: Is There a Silver Lining to the Financial Crisis?

As the economic downturn continues and its impacts, and the utility responses to it, become clearer, NACWA will continue providing member agencies with updated information.  The Association will likely update and re-circulate its survey regarding the economic downturn to gather additional member input and will continue to provide opportunities through its committees, conferences, and web seminars to advance this critical dialogue.  If you have any questions regarding this effort, please contact Adam Krantz at 202/833-4651 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .