The Utility Management Committee (UMC) is a joint effort of the Virginia Water Environment Association (VWEA) and the Virginia Section of the American Water Works Association (VA AWWA). Formed to support both water and wastewater professionals, the committee focuses on advancing utility management throughout Virginia.
The UMC provides education, networking, and collaboration opportunities through workshops, WaterJAM programming, and other professional development events. We welcome input on emerging issues, topic suggestions for future programs, and participation from members across all stages of their careers—including Young Professionals.
Much of the committee’s work is carried out through specialized Focus Groups, each dedicated to a key area of utility management. Learn more about each one below.
The Asset Management Focus Group supports utilities across Virginia in strengthening their asset management programs through shared learning and practical guidance. The group promotes best practices in lifecycle planning, risk assessment, condition evaluation, data management, and long-term capital strategy.
By facilitating workshops, discussions, and resource development, the group helps utilities enhance system reliability, make informed investment decisions, and improve overall performance and resilience. Resources developed by this group include HRSD’s Building Information Modeling (BIM) presentation recording. Resources created by this group include HRSD’s Building Information Modeling (BIM) presentation recording.
Collaborative Project Delivery
This Focus Group explores best practices in collaborative project delivery methods, including Construction Management at Risk (CMAR), Design-Build (DB), and Public-Private Partnerships (P3). Through seminars, podcasts, and knowledge sharing, members gain insight into successful projects and emerging trends across Virginia.
The group also maintains a statewide database of successful collaborative delivery projects, accessible through the Collaborative Project Delivery in Virginia Map.
Conference
The Conference Focus Group develops and delivers the annual Utility Management Seminar, focusing on timely and relevant topics affecting Virginia’s water and wastewater utilities.
Through curated sessions featuring industry practitioners and subject-matter experts, the seminar highlights best practices, strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, financial sustainability, and other key management priorities. This work promotes knowledge-sharing and leadership development across utilities of all sizes.
Effective Utility Management
The EUM Focus Group provides opportunities for water sector professionals to exchange ideas and experiences related to the Effective Utility Management framework, originally developed in 2008 and most recently refreshed in 2024: Effective Utility Management 2024 Primer.
The group supports outreach through webinars, EPA‑sponsored workshops, and sessions at the annual UMC Seminar, with future initiatives including podcasts and utility awards. The EUM Primer offers a nationally recognized framework for improving utility performance across multiple leadership and operational attributes.
Financial Management
The Financial Management Focus Group serves as a resource on rate setting, capital financing, debt management, affordability, reserve policies, and long‑term financial planning.
Members share experiences, benchmark trends, and explore emerging challenges such as infrastructure funding and equitable cost recovery. The group’s work supports utilities in achieving financial sustainability while meeting community needs.
Leading One Water
The Leading One Water Focus Group promotes a holistic, integrated approach to managing water resources—recognizing that the natural water cycle transcends political and organizational boundaries.
The group supports coordinated planning, cross‑sector collaboration, and resilience-focused strategies that align drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and environmental stewardship. Additional resources are available on the Leading One Water focus group page.
Professional Development
This Focus Group was established to support workforce development and long‑term leadership sustainability in the water sector. Its primary initiative, the joint VA AWWA / VWEA Mentorship Program, connects professionals across career stages to foster knowledge transfer, leadership development, and professional growth.
Through mentorship and shared learning, the group helps strengthen talent pipelines and preserve institutional knowledge across the industry.
Small Communities
The Small Communities Focus Group promotes communication and supports the use of AWWA, WEF, VA AWWA, and VWEA resources among utilities serving populations under 10,000.
Additional information, including available tools and guidance, can be found through these sites:
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