Stretched Funds and Resources Driving the Need for Advisory services in Water Sector

Hector Ruiz, the newest Chair of California & Nevada American Water Works Association (CA-NV AWWA), highlights the current driving forces in the water sector. Hector is no stranger to today’s challenges. He brings experience and invigorating ideas to drive sustainable improvements for one of the world's most in-demand prime natural resources.

What are the biggest challenges facing the water sector today?

As Chair of CA-NV AWWA, I hear various challenges from industry stakeholders. The majority of these directly relate to stretched funds and a lack of resources. Stakeholders face challenges with how to operate, maintain and extend the life of facilities with limited funding.

Utility managers require innovative engineering designs and planning. They need a broad level of advice regarding the design and rehabilitation of their facilities for long-term service. Clients need to know how to use their limited funds and resources to extend the life of current systems and prioritize replacements to build new work.

In the past, water and waste system management focused on engineering projects to provide capacity for the future. Today, there is a shift to integrate a broad business and financial view to build a more holistic system through true asset management.

What is the best approach to help clients through these challenges?

We invest time to understand the client’s true challenges. Working collaboratively with our clients we find innovative solutions and assist with implementation to enhance their business.

Our goal is to provide solutions and advice that are easily understood and implemented.

How will Advisory services play a role in addressing clients’ unique situations?

We address challenges with capital, risk and asset management. In some cases, adopting an innovative approach and working alongside other industry professionals provides improved results. For instance, sewer collection system assessments are traditionally engineering projects evaluating the issues and providing solutions in a master plan. Today, engineers work in collaboration with Advisory teams and adopt a wider evaluation for sustainable solutions, creating additional value for the client and increased benefits for the community.

As an example, a Southern California utility company worked with our team to apply assessment and asset management best practices. We successfully improved its sewer cleaning operations, complying with regulatory requirements and avoiding the need for additional staff and equipment.

A separate utility company addressed risk with an engineer’s assessment and prioritized the required sewer improvement projects, making risk-based decisions with our help, achieving the new regulations with limited funds.

In essence, all businesses have different requirements. We bring value by asking the right questions and getting to the heart of the problem to assist them with an innovative and resourceful solution.

Meet Hector

Hector Ruiz has over 30 years of experience within water engineering and is an Advisor with significant experience in utility management, design, and operations. Hector understands the needs and requirements of the water sector and works with both public and private clients focusing primarily on the western region of the United States.