It has continued because of greater environmental activism and media coverage. To facilitate communication with the public, some utilities have begun successful programs to provide information to customers and invite their input. By the end of 1998, all community water systems must begin public communication in the form of annual water quality reports to customers. The reports must identify the water source, give the highest detected levels of certain contaminants, and compare them with maximum contaminant levels. If there are violations, they must be reported along with pertinent health effects information.
Many suppliers feel unsure about customers' reactions to the data.
However, compliance with this law is expected to improve public confidence in and enhance public perception of the industry. The challenge for suppliers will be to focus on communicating clearly rather than on drowning customers in complex technical data. Simplicity is key. This article tells how to create a user-friendly CCR that informs customers and complies with the law.