Regulatory agencies around the country are considering new ways to secure water supplies for long-term economic growth. The state of Wisconsin, while situated adjacent to Lake Michigan—one of the largest freshwater sources in the world—finds itself experiencing increasing levels of water stress due to a strong reliance on groundwater sources in large areas of the state.
To help public utilities better manage both natural resource and financial constraints, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission has integrated water conservation and efficiency considerations into its analysis of applications for rate increases and construction authorization requests. This framework for state and local cooperation to ensure both sustainable utility financial operations and long-term water supplies may prove to be a model that other states around the country consider adopting for greater resiliency.
On Feb. 16, WaterSmart will present a WaterSide Chat on this issue, featuring Wisconsin state regulators and other regional water industry experts who will discuss the genesis of this regulatory framework, results to date and what the future holds for a new approach to growth and sustainability. To join the WaterSide chat, visit this site.
Source: WaterSmart
