Public Communications Toolkit

AWWA's Public Communications Toolkit

This kit contains all of AWWA's information on public communication, from talking points to Journal AWWA articles to presentations and Trending in an Instant: A Risk Communication Guide for Water Utilities, all in one place for easy access.

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Strategic Planning

Strategic communications planning is important, especially with evolving regulatory requirements, enhanced media outreach and growing public expectations. This section will provide you with a sample utility communications plan and other planning resources.

Four Steps for Successful Communications Planning

  • Figure out what message you want to communicate.
  • Define your "target" audiences.
  • Assess your utility's current communications procedures.
  • Select the public relations strategies that will most effectively communicate your image and messages to your key audiences.

To assist with this initial work, you may want to consider reviewing a Sample Utility Communications Plan or purchasing AWWA's G420 Communications and Customer Relations Standard.

For more information on strategic planning, check out these Journal AWWA articles:

Risk Communication

Section Communication

Other Communications Links

Media Relations

Media relations entails more than answering questions when a reporter calls. It's important to establish and maintain relationships with local reporters, publishers, editors, photographers and videographers of print, online and broadcast news outlets.

Events

Make any event a success.

Additional Resources to help:

Crisis and Issue Communications

To communicate effectively during a crisis, background preparation is necessary. This section will provide you with a plan template that helps you respond before, during and after a crisis, as well as media tips and preparedness checklists.

The Public Notification Rule
A three-part series from Journal AWWA outlining the general requirements of the Public Notification Rule and offers assistance with creating a crisis communications plan, dealing with the media and preparing employees to handle questions while working in the community.

Additional Resources

Information on Special Issues

Community and Youth Outreach

Digital and Electronic Communications

In today’s world, electronic and digital communications are an increasingly important and affordable way to communicate with your audience. Here are few tools to help you build your electronic presence.

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