Case Study

American Water Works Association (AWWA)
Utility Accreditation Program Development

The American Water Works Association, North America 's largest water industry association, is in the process of developing an accreditation program for the consideration of its executive leadership and general membership. Water and wastewater utility accreditation will create rigorous standards for utility performance, enhance public confidence in the quality of utility services, and further the industry's successful attempts as self-regulation.

Public Financial Management has been retained to help the AWWA's Accreditation Policy Committee quantify the financial benefits of accreditation. Among PFM's responsibilities have been the identification and exploration of potential benefits from decreased borrowing costs as a result of improved bond ratings and lower bond insurance costs; better terms from state revolving loan funds, as well as the possible integration of accreditation standards and loan terms; and lower costs for general and specific liability insurance.