New York Rural Water Association

This July I attended the NYS Department of Health's Public Hearing on Capacity Development, which was held here at the New York Rural Water Association's Training Center. I was concerned with the lack of decision makers present at this important event. Well aware of the efforts made by the NYS Health Department to inform all water systems of this hearing, I was dismayed that local officials did not understand the importance of their attendance and input on this issue that will most definitely affect them in the near future. As I travel to our member systems and visit with the water industry personnel, attend meetings across the state of New York and National meetings, the same point comes up over and over again, WE ARE UNDER CHARGING FOR WATER. We constantly are informed of new regulations and rules that must be implemented, many systems are experiencing changes to their supply and demand, and New York systems have aging infrastructure. So are we planning for the future??? Are your local officials, and decision makers considering how they will meet these new challenges? Ask yourself - does your town/village/city have proper rates for financial health? Have you developed a strategy for implementing and maintaining technical, financial and managerial capabilities? That's what this capacity development is all about; planning for, achieving, and maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations. When I speak with our members I hear that their local elected officials are reluctant to increase the rates due to the fact they would never be reelected if they did so. If there is no reserve in place, what happens when improvements are required? Your officials should be setting rates that reflect the actual cost of water, both now and in the future. During a recent meeting I attended, it was stated that a new water system should be looking at an annual water rate of $1200.00 per household. Where are you in comparison to this rate? Is your system paying for itself? I read somewhere that rate review should be conducted each year and that it should be conducted with a committee made up of community members including your town clerk, water operator, elected official, and possibly a member of the financial community (a banker).

To assist systems in these efforts, the New York Rural Water Association has an excellent program to train elected officials. If your elected officials are willing to listen, we are ready to come and speak to them. There is no charge for this service; our field staff is available to the small communities of New York. Give us a call on our toll free number 1-888-NYRURAL and we will be happy to help explain the importance of proper planning.