What might be normal development practice in the private sector or when totally supported by the local tax and user base, may not be an acceptable development practice when using state or federal programs supported by state or federal tax dollars. Or, including the cost of a six or eight-inch water main in a project when the planned full utilization of the capacity of that main may not occur for eight or ten years may not meet funding criteria. For these reasons, funding agencies must be brought into the planning process so they can be informed participants in considering innovative approaches to meeting water needs. Eighty-five percent of the 115 participants completing questionnaires at the meetings indicated planning at the local level would be helpful in meeting future water needs. Many expressed the desire that local representation be included in the planning and decision-making process from the beginning.
Effective planning requires considering many options.
Selecting an option should involve the broadest possible representation of local participants who will be directly affected by the decision. An informed exchange of ideas will allow local communities to make educated decisions. Anticipating water needs is just one component of planning for the community or area. Water is only one of the utility and infrastructure needs that should be addressed when demographic changes and economic development activities are considered. Although the specifics of developing, expanding or improving a water system may require a specialized group or committee, the water planning leadership must actively participate in other area planning activities to identify the affects these decisions may have on water needs.