Communicating the True Cost of Water
(Times listed in Mountain time zone)
Fee per person: $75-member, $120-nonmember
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*This webinar is included in the 2025 Annual Webinar Subscription.
*Subscribers will be registered separately.
Objectives
- Learn storytelling strategies to communicate infrastructure investments in relatable, customer-friendly terms that build public understanding and support.
- Discover case studies and communication strategies that successfully reframed large capital projects and rate increases as essential, long-term community investments.
- Identify tools, data, and research insights that strengthen local messaging, build trust, and engage stakeholders in conversations about the value and true cost of water.
Expert Panel
Moderated by: Matthew Junker, Public Relations, Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County
Adriann Deering, Manager of Communications, Columbus Water Works
Douglas Shackelford, Public Affairs Officer, Central Arkansas Water
Alice Fulmer, Director of Subscriber Services, Water Research Foundation (WRF)
Emily Simonson, Senior Director of Water Leadership and Innovation at the US Water Alliance
Description
This webinar will explore strategies utilities can use to explain the “true cost of water” in clear, relatable ways that connect with customers and decision-makers.
Presenters include communicators from water utilities, leaders from nonprofit organizations, and experts who manage and share water sector research. Together, they will explore approaches for addressing inflation, making the case for ongoing investment in infrastructure and operations, and communicating about major capital projects. The session will also highlight practical tools for smaller systems getting started with outreach, including lessons from social media studies and findings from public opinion polling on how people understand water issues.
Attendees will come away with new ideas, examples and resources to strengthen their messaging around the dollars and sense of water service—helping them build understanding and support for the essential work utilities do every day.
DISCLAIMER: The mention of specific products or services in AWWA webinars does not represent AWWA endorsement, nor do the opinions expressed in such webinars reflect the views of AWWA. AWWA does not endorse or approve products or services.
Webinar registration priced per person. Each registrant will be granted live and on-demand access for one person, on a single computer. Link sharing is strictly prohibited. Presentation slides will be available to download during the webinar and a recording will be available to view after the live webinar concludes.
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