Update on Value of Water Outreach presented at LCO Committee on May 23, 2013

1. Legislation, Conservation and Outreach Committee
May 23, 2013
Jason Foster
Director, Public Outreach and Conservation

2.  Growing need to improve ratepayer
understanding of:
 Bills they pay = water reliability received
 Elements of water system they may not know
 Investments necessary for repairs and maintenance
 Value of services provided for unit cost paid
 Focused communications on issue
recommended as priority
 LCO Committee goal for 2013-2014
Background
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3.  Take advantage of existing opportunities
 Develop new materials focused on issue
 Priorities:
 Newsletter articles
 Bill stuffers
 Fact sheet
 Video
 Make messaging broad enough to be useful
to as many agencies as possible
 Consider investing in regional communication
tactics with greatest impact
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Near-Term Recommendations

4.  2012 annual report
 News releases
 Promotions and social
media
 Planned Water Talks
community forum
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Leveraging Existing Activities

5.  Newsletter articles
 Bill stuffers
 Fact sheet
 Partnership with CUWA
 Customized illustration
 Ready by summer
 Video
 30 sec./90 sec.
 Ready by June
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New Tools for Member Agencies

6.  Educate larger numbers of water users
during highest water use months
 Show 30-second video in movie theaters
Regional reach
High popularity
Diverse audience
 Eight-week campaign starting in July
 Cost: $35,000
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Summer Campaign

7.  Work with Joint Public Information Council on
ongoing basis
 Evaluate and refine messages and tactics
 Develop strategic approaches
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Future Activities