2011, order #4074) presents a method
of evaluating future uncertainty in water
supply by integrating a physically-based
simulation of management alternatives,
conducting scenario testing of the
alternatives, and employing multicriteria
decision analysis, while engaging
stakeholders in the entire process.
The report presents the piloting of the
process at a utility.
• Decision Support System for Sustainable
Water Supply Planning (Huber-Lee et al.
2006, order #91107) demonstrates the
capabilities of the Water Evaluation and
Planning software (free to subscribers at
www.weap21.org) at three geographically
diverse utilities with varying water sources.
• Decision Process and Trade-off Analysis
Model for Supply Rotation and Planning
(Nero et al. 2006, order #91127) provides
a process for evaluating water source
alternatives (e.g., seawater, surface
water, groundwater) and rotating them
depending on utility needs. An electronic
model developed for the case utility is
provided with the report.
10. Stakeholder Understanding
and Support
Stakeholder understanding and support
means a utility “actively involves stakeholders
in the decisions that will affect them.” This
implies collaboration, cooperation, and
transparent communication with a wide
variety of stakeholders.
Continuing Foundation Research—Stakeholder Understanding
and Support
Ongoing projects that will further help utility efforts in targeted communications about emerging
contaminants and climate change are:
• “Consumer Perceptions and Attitudes Toward EDCs and PPCPs in Drinking Water” (Rundblad,
project #4323) will develop and apply tools and guidance to gain an understanding of consumer
perceptions of and attitudes toward EDCs and PPCPs in drinking water to improve future
communications and responses by the drinking water industry, and will test selected communication
methods and materials.
• “Effective Communication About Climate Change to Water Utility Stakeholders” (project #4381)
will produce a guidance document to assist water utilities in communicating about climate change, with
an emphasis on building support for water utility climate-related adaptation or mitigation investments
and projects.
