Merrium-Webster defines this phrase as an idiom (expression) “to say or write things that strongly support (someone or something)”. My predecessor here at the Beaver Water District (BWD) used this expression frequently to underscore the importance of continuing to tell the origin story of Beaver Water District and Beaver Lake. Were it not for the need of drinking water for municipal and industrial purposes in Northwest Arkansas (NWA), the Beaver Dam would not have been built, and the reservoir that we now consider one of our region’s greatest natural resources would not have been created. On August 27th, the District celebrated its 65th “birthday”, and with a two-county population more than five times larger than what it was in 1959, it has never been more important to continue beating that drum.
Recently, several of us have been beating another drum. This one is about drawing attention to, and creating understanding and support for, the need to adequately fund our water infrastructure. Not only the District’s, but also the water storage, distribution, wastewater collection, and treatment infrastructure of our customer cities. Please don’t misunderstand, this is not a new issue. This need has been around for as long as communities have existed and relied on “public” drinking water systems. However, for Northwest Arkansas, the continued and unprecedented growth of our communities is creating demand for expanded and improved infrastructure. That growth is currently outpacing our ability to fund and construct the infrastructure necessary for the high-density, multiuse developments that are being approved and built. We cannot depend on past approaches and attitudes that the most basic needs for the region’s continued growth should face intense pressure to remain “cheap”.
As I write this article, I am in Denver, Colorado preparing to meet with other municipal and public water and wastewater executives from around the country. Nationwide, water utilities face tremendous challenges that include replacing aging infrastructure and meeting increasing stringent water quality and environmental regulations. However, when I have the opportunity to engage with industry experts from all over the country, I am reminded of how blessed we are in NWA. In many areas of the country, in fact, in many areas of Arkansas, populations and tax bases are in decline. Instead of worrying about keeping up with growth, other communities are wondering if growth will ever occur again. But, that lack of growth and revenue opportunities do not eliminate the ongoing expenses of maintaining existing infrastructure. Many of those communities that are facing these realities failed to recognize that investments in their water and wastewater must always be a priority, even now, in the face of rising costs and ongoing supply chain issues.
The staff of BWD, as well as our customer cities, are always weighing the current and future cost of drinking water delivery and/or wastewater collection and treatment, in order to keep up with growth, against the pressure to maintain “affordable” rates. At BWD, our staff completes a financial analysis and study of our wholesale water rate every year. Each year, projections of future water demand and plans to provide the treatment and pumping capacity needed to meet that demand are updated for the next 15-year period. We then establish yearly wholesale rates that will allow the District to continue to meet our Mission. And while the rate-setting process may vary for each of our customers, the effort and significance that each place on continuing to provide the highest levels of service and quality to their citizens does not waver.
Along with several others at BWD, I have presented the issues and challenges that we, as your water and wastewater service providers, face as we work to meet the blessings of a vibrant, growing region. After one such presentation to a local group, someone let me know that I ought to be giving this presentation twice a week, everywhere I can, and to anyone who will listen. That is an invitation to beat the drum that I will gladly accept.