Aggregate benchmarking data provides one framework for an individual utility to track its goals and improvement. Use of benchmarking data, or initiating the process of performance measurement, can be key to performance improvement. Efficient and effective improvements are necessary for utilities to meet customer expectations, manage rates, and meet more stringent regulations.

AWWA's Utility Benchmarking publication allows utility managers to use data and analyses to determine how their utility’s performance compares to the water or wastewater industry. The report includes performance indicators for five areas of operations: Organizational Development, Customer Relations, Business Operations, Water Operations, and Wastewater Operations.

Metrics You Can Use:
Water and wastewater utility managers need useful metrics to gauge how their organization is currently performing, and to set reasonable targets for future performance. The benchmarking data and analyses in this report are chosen for their usefulness in helping utilities track and improve both operational efficiency and managerial effectiveness.

Benchmarks for All Operations:
Utility Managers can use the data and analyses in this report to determine how their utility’s performance compares to the water or wastewater industry in five area of operations: Organizational Development, Customer Relations, Business Operations, Water Operations, and Wastewater Operations. The report provides benchmarking data for 58 key performance indicators.

Compare Your Utility:
Aggregate data are provided from 38 US states, two Canadian provinces, American Samoa, and Puerto Rico. Participating utilities range in size from under 10,000 population served to over 500,000 population served, summarizing performance data for the fiscal year 2021. Where data are available, historical trends from previous AWWA utility benchmarking surveys are also provided.