💧 H2O INTRO 👤 Meet Jamie Safulko, Client Services Manager at PCL Construction.

The debate over public versus private water utilities isn't going away. But Jamie Safulko believes the more important question is how public utilities can evolve to meet growing demands without losing sight of water's role as an essential public service.

Drawing on research and interviews with leaders across the water sector, Safulko identified three areas where public utilities can strengthen their long-term future.

1️⃣ Invest in research and innovation. As regulations tighten and challenges grow more complex, utilities need to be active participants in developing the technologies and solutions that will shape the future of water.

2️⃣ Invest in people. Recruiting and retaining skilled professionals requires compensation that reflects the complexity, responsibility, and public health importance of operating modern water and wastewater systems.

3️⃣ Embrace change. Utilities are naturally risk-averse, but Safulko argues that continual improvement depends on challenging long-held assumptions, rethinking processes, and creating cultures that are open to new ideas.

Her message is not that public utilities should operate like private companies. It's that they should adopt the best business practices available to remain resilient, innovative, and effective for the communities they serve.

H2O INTRO is sponsored by Human Capital Solutions, Inc., an executive search, recruiting, and leadership advisory firm.

00:00 Introduction
00:18 Public vs. Private Water Utilities
00:58 Why Water Is Different
01:48 1️⃣ Invest in Research & Innovation
02:35 2️⃣ Invest in People
03:23 3️⃣ Embrace Change
04:18 The Future of Public Water Utilities

waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability. Visit https://www.waterloop.org/

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