Webinar Series - Resources for Water Utilities Responding to COVID-19

 

This webinar series shared tips, tools and resources to utilities as they strive to navigate the new normal created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The one consistent piece of advice from experts has been to wash hands often and thoroughly. Water utilities are struggling to keep their vital service in place while facing the financial challenges that have arisen.

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The primary intended audience for these webinars was local government staff related to water, wastewater and stormwater projects in Georgia.

This webinar series was funded by the Georgia Environment Finance Authority.

 

PAST: Webinar 1: Operating Efficiency Opportunities

When: Monday, November 9, 2020 (10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)

**The webinar is pending 1 CEU in Management Safety (MS)**

Speakers Included: Mohamed Balla, Deputy Commissioner, Office of Financial Administration, City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management

This webinar shared some of the practices that utilities have found useful in reducing costs by focusing on efficiency during the pandemic. It included tips on physical distancing in operating vehicles, as well as other efficiency and money-saving practices.

 

PAST: Webinar 2: Alternatives to Shut Offs

When: Monday, November 16th, 2020 (10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)

**The webinar is pending 1 CEU in Management Safety (MS)**

Speakers Included: Holly Rosenthal, Assistant Water Services Director at City of Phoenix, AZ, Melinda Crook, City Clerk, City of Blakely, GA

As utilities recognize the need for keeping the water on in order to protect public health, some are struggling with how to manage non-paying customers. This webinar highlighted some of the measures utilities have been considering in an attempt to reduce the level of shut off for non-payment during the pandemic.

 
 

PAST: Webinar 3: Keeping Communication Flowing

When: Wednesday, November 18th, 2020 (10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)

**The webinar is pending 1 CEU in Management Safety (MS)**

Speakers Included: Sapna Mulki, Principal, Water Savvy Solutions

Some utilities are amending their policies in order to help financially-stressed customers. However, getting information out to the customers on these changes, e.g. more forgiving disconnection policies and the waiving of later fees etc. is crucial. Utilities and communities are also still responsible for providing the public with information on various infrastructure projects. This webinar provided suggestions on how this communication can happen in light of physical distancing needs.

This webinar series is offered at no cost to participants.

For questions, email info@ibenvironmental.com.