A Comparative Analysis Demonstrating Infrastructure System, Cost, and Performance Improvement Opportunities Within U. S. Water Infrastructure Systems

As global concerns regarding water quality and quantity continue to escalate, it is essential to reassess and reconsider alternative approaches to water usage, consumption, and sustainability for future generations. A comprehensive analysis of water infrastructure systems across North America, with a focus on the U.S. states of Georgia and California, reveals opportunities for improvement in mitigating water losses and optimizing utility performance. Utilizing data from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and guidance from the Water Research Foundation (WRF), this research employs statistical analysis and productivity evaluation to identify variables that positively impact water system sustainability, including water loss and customer cost. The research examines the relationship between system operational performance, productivity, and water losses, highlighting potential areas for improvement in total water output, attempting to minimize water loss. The research methodology involves grouping utility sizes to identify cost opportunities and comparing characteristics of water utilities in California and Georgia. An analysis of partial productivity and total operating productivity reveals that California, despite having stricter water guidance and higher rates compared to Georgia, demonstrates less overall water loss. The results show there is not a direct linear relationship between water loss and productivity. Opportunities for improved governance and funding standardization across the industry are highlighted. Overall, this research aims to contribute to the development of more sustainable and efficient water infrastructure systems by identifying areas of improvement and providing recommendations for optimizing utility performance and minimizing water losses. By exploring the complex relationships between water loss, productivity, and system operational performance, this study provides a comprehensive framework for addressing the global concern of water scarcity and promoting a more water-secure future.