Black & Veatch가 발표한 2차 미국 물산업 연간 보고서에 따르면, 90퍼센트 이상의 물 관련 시설 시장을 주도하는 기업들이 2016년 이전에 정식 자산관리 제도를 도입하게 될 것이고 현재 제한된 예산과 자산으로 자본을 억지로 늘이려고 노력하는 것으로 드러났다.

"현재 물산업의 가장 큰 세 가지 이슈들은 노쇄한 인프라, 자본비용 관리, 운영비용 관리입니다."라고 Cindy Wallis-Lage, Black & Veatch's 의 물 산업 회장은 말했다. 또한 그녀는 "자산관리 제도는 기업들이 이와 같은 도전 과제들을 극복하는 데 도움을 줄 것입니다. 그러나 이것은 물산업 인프라가 필요로 하는 크나큰 자본 수요를 충족시키기에는 부족합니다."라고 덧붙였다.

DENVER, CO, June 17, 2013 -- According to Black & Veatch's second annual U.S. water industry report, more than 90 percent of utility leaders expect to have formal asset management programs in place or in progress by 2016, and it also shows an industry more focused on informed spending to stretch limited budgets and extend the life of current assets.

"The top three industry issues are aging infrastructure, managing capital costs and managing operational costs," said Cindy Wallis-Lage, President of Black & Veatch's water business. "Asset management programs will help utilities address these challenges. However, this will not erase the large capital needs of our water infrastructure."

The 2013 Strategic Directions in the U.S. Water Industry Report captures the industry's viewpoint concerning ongoing issues. In addition, best practices and global case studies from the UK, Hong Kong and Singapore are highlighted within the report. Key findings include:

Non-revenue water is a key challenge in the water industry. The national average for non-revenue water is 20 percent. Improving system metering, data integrity, leak monitoring and control will improve system performance and reduce costs. These efforts will also conserve precious water supplies. With respect to leaking pipes, the current rate of replacement or renewal of buried infrastructure is less than 1 percent for most utilities nationwide. 

Nearly 70 percent of respondents who provide water services are implementing drought contingency plans. These plans include water conservation, community outreach and use/sourcing of alternative supplies.  

The industry must educate city leaders and customers on the value of water. Nearly 60 percent of respondents stated their customers had little to no understanding regarding the gap between current rates and the cost of providing safe and reliable water and/or wastewater services.

Industry leaders remain hesitant to look beyond traditional financing mechanisms to meet critical infrastructure needs. Less than 20 percent stated their organization is considering using a public-private partnership.

"Many in the financial community believe that the municipal bond market will not be able to support the massive needs of the industry," said John Chevrette, President of Black & Veatch’s management consulting business. "This is particularly true given the market's post-recession aversion to risk. We strongly encourage our clients to look at all financing options, both public and private, allowing them to negotiate from a position of strength."

[출처: Waterworld / 2013년 6월 17일]