TFTT Report
Powelson touts important role of regulated, private water companies
NAWC president and CEO Robert Powelson penned a letter to the editor of the Chicago Sun-Times in response to an editorial that missed the mark on the state of water infrastructure in Illinois.
In his response, Powelson highlighted how focusing on water rates while ignoring water quality and reliability is shortsighted at best. Further, Powelson called out the editors for failing to recognize that – with many communities across Illinois struggling to provide residents with safe and reliable water – regulated, private water companies play an important role in the solution with a proven track record of investment and operational expertise.
It takes investment to replace failing pipes, upgrade treatment plants and implement water quality technology. The result might be higher rates, but the result is safe, reliable water. The editorial ignored the millions of dollars that Illinois‘ regulated, private water companies of annual infrastructure invest, and these same water companies lead the way in providing assistance programs to customers who are struggling financially.
Residents would be much better served by solutions that tap into the proven record of regulated, private water companies.
Read the full piece here.