AWWA ACE56174

The purpose of this paper is to remind readers of the benefits of public education and outreach efforts, and to describe the development of the public education and outreach program McKim & Creed developed with the City of Clearwater, Florida. The paper will also discuss the programs of other utilities, including Hampton Roads, Virginia; Tampa Bay Water; and the Triangle utilities of Durham, OWASA, and Chatham County, North Carolina. The planning process for the outreach efforts begins shortly after the consultant is selected. Materials include letters, brochures, PowerPoint presentations, posters, web pages, and other items used to inform and educate elected officials, customers, target businesses, the medical community, and employees of the utility. A well-planned and executed outreach program will serve to increase acceptance of the treatment change, lower perceptions of risk, and improve tolerance for taste and odor changes, while building trust and credibility for the utility.