Think about this as an opportunity to show your community that you’ve
given this some serious thought. Even if you don’t think you have a
message, you do, and it’s this: We’ve prepared for this.
16 | ROCKY MOUNTAIN WATER MAY 2020
FEATURE
Lowndes also described how
employees are being kept in the loop
about DC Water’s operating plans as
they change.
“We are open and operating as
normally as possible with some
provisions to our operations and our
mission. We’re telling people that we’re
not closing; we’re just adjusting how
we’re meeting our customers’ needs
and communicating with each other.”
Frank recommended that utilities
who do not already have a media
spokesperson designate and train one
as soon as possible. Concerns about
water quality due to the coronavirus
pandemic are bound to arise, he said.
— Steve Frank, Executive VP, SDF Communications
When performing public outreach
activities, Frank advised that water
professionals should stress that
evidence suggests risks to water
supplies related to coronavirus are low
and the utility’s disinfection protocols
are effective.
“Think about this as an opportunity
to show your community that you’ve
given this some serious thought. Even
if you don’t think you have a message,
you do, and it’s this: We’ve prepared
for this,” Frank said.
This article solely reflects the personal
opinions of the authors, not necessarily
WEF and its members. It is provided for
educational purposes only, and is not
intended to substitute for the retainer and
advice of an appropriate professional.
No warranties or endorsement of any
kind are granted or implied.
Justin Jacques is a con-tent
creation specialist for
the Water Environment
Federation. In addition to
serving as Departments
Editor for Water Environment & Technol-ogy
magazine, WEF’s flagship monthly
publication, Justin also manages the WEF
Highlights and Stormwater Report blogs.
He attended the George Washington Uni-versity
and has worked for WEF for about
three years.
/kennedyjenks.com
/recinc.net
