LIFT for Management: Developing Utility Analysis and Improvement Methodology

The overall goal of this project was to provide water sector utilities with a well-defined, structured, value-based improvement methodology. Utility analysis and improvement methodology (UAIM) efforts provide utilities with practical and actionable steps to make improvements and add value by executing business processes, using technology, and leading and managing the workforce to make a positive impact on its customers, the community, employees, and the environment. This research developed a UAIM report, a white paper, case studies, project summaries, and brochures. The conceptual framework and the improvement methodology developed through this project can be used by utilities to document their business processes, assess the maturity of their existing processes, design the desired processes, and implement improvements. Published in 2022. Research partners: Avon Lake Regional Water, Charlotte Water, City of Grand Rapids, Clean Water Services, DC Water, Great Lakes Water Authority, Gwinnett County Water Resources, Kansas City Water Services Department, Loudoun County Sanitation Authority, Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District, Metro Vancouver, Metropolitan Council Environmental Services, Orange County Utilities, Portland Water Bureau, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, Tacoma Public Utilities, Toho Water Authority, United Kingdom Environmental Agency, VandCenter Syd, and Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.

Originally funded as WERF project LIFT17T16.