AWWA Utility Benchmarking 2025: Performance Management for Water and Wastewater
The AWWA Utility Benchmarking Program aims to provide utilities with the opportunity to self-evaluate their utility performance by providing objective performance measures for decision-makers who are responsible for day-to-day utility operations. Performance measurement is an essential management tool to help decision-makers set a course to improve their organizations. Managers and public officials need useful metrics to gauge current performance and to set reasonable targets for the future. AWWA’s Utility Benchmarking Program tracks recognized utility performance indicators developed and applied by water industry professionals, providing this information as a tool for improving operational efficiency and managerial effectiveness for utilities regardless of size or system-specific issues.
Description
This report summarizes the 2025 AWWA Utility Benchmarking Survey, including the performance results for participating utilities providing potable water (referred to in this report as water), wastewater, and/or stormwater services for the fiscal year 2024 (also referred to as FY24). Where data are available from previous AWWA Utility Benchmarking Surveys, historical trends for a handful of selected performance measures are also provided. In addition to tracking individual utility performance year to year, utilities can use the data and analyses in this report to determine how their utility’s performance compares to other water, wastewater, or combined utilities. Decision-makers interested in improving performance should determine which measures have the most meaning or highest priority for their utility, track them on a consistent basis, and regularly evaluate their performance results to determine progress.
AWWA annually conducts the Utility Benchmarking Survey collecting utility benchmarking data; all survey participants receive a complimentary custom report that shows their individual utility’s performance indicators against the aggregate data for all participating utilities in the same service category (i.e., water, wastewater, or combined system). By simply responding to the survey to collect and provide annual performance, utility personnel will improve their understanding of management and operations practices at their utilities.