AWWA JTMGT64419

AWWA JTMGT64419 Stakeholders, Speakers, Supporters and More! Keys to Public Outreach Success
Conference Proceeding by American Water Works Association, 02/01/2007

Steirer, Marsi A.; Means, Edward G. III; Robin, Lesley S.

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This paper discusses a Water Reuse Study by the City of San Diego Water Department in early 2004 that was requested by the City Council. The Council listed specific recycled water options toinvestigate. The goal was to increase the amount of recycled water used from the city's twowater reclamation plants. Specific water reuse options were outlined, including two for indirectpotable reuse. One option was similar to a reservoir augmentation project which had been underdevelopment but was abandoned when it became a negative issue in 1998 local politicalcampaigns.The Water Department used a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach for public outreachactivities. One key activity was to follow the "American Assembly" format for working withcommunity stakeholders. The Department assembled a large, diverse group of 67 San Diegansto review the Study's goals and objectives and provide in-depth feedback on the researchparameters. The stakeholders attended two "American Assembly" style workshops andproduced public statements, often taking bold stands. The Study team formed a speaker's bureau. Training sessions were combined with extensivesolicitations for speaking engagements in the community. A PowerPoint presentation wasdeveloped, followed by a video that aired on local cable TV. By explaining all the water reuseoptions included in the Study, speakers introduced indirect potable reuse options in a neutralmanner. Other public outreach efforts were implemented which included: developing a website;conducting stakeholder interviews; gathering letters of support; creating electronic newsletters;briefing the media; developing an on-line informal opinion survey; scheduling tours of the waterreclamation plants; and, coordinating media outreach.This paper details the development, administration and outcome of three of the Water ReuseStudy's effective public outreach activities. Other facets of the public outreach program and results are briefly outlined.