Utility Tips for Maintaining Financial Resilience During and After a Pandemic

Abstract

Many water and wastewater utilities effectively took a “triage” approach to addressing initial COVID-19–related disruptions but should reassess practices to ensure long-term financial resilience. Although the short-term financial effects of the pandemic varied widely among utilities, related economic and financial uncertainties will likely persist, with potentially long-term impacts. Utilities should implement a phased post-pandemic strategy encompassing scenario planning, rate structures, consumer assistance programs, staffing and training, debt structuring, and smart technologies. Regardless of its financial impact, the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the vulnerabilities of all sectors, including the water sector, to large disruptive events; stronger financial resilience is recommended.