Board of Water Supply (BWS) Company Profile

Background

The Board of Water Supply (BWS) is a semi-autonomous agency of the City and County of Honolulu, established in 1929 to manage Oʻahu's municipal water resources and distribution system. Serving approximately one million residents, BWS is the largest municipal water utility in Hawaiʻi, delivering over 55 billion gallons of water annually. The agency's mission, "Water for Life – Ka Wai Ola," underscores its commitment to providing safe, dependable, and affordable water now and into the future.

Key Strategic Focus

BWS's strategic objectives include:

Resource Sustainability: Protecting natural groundwater supplies and ensuring efficient management.

Economic Sustainability: Diversifying financial resources to support system operations and capital needs while maintaining affordable water rates.

Organizational Sustainability: Building a well-structured, efficient organization equipped to deliver exceptional value to customers and the community.

Financials and Funding

BWS operates as a financially self-sufficient entity, funding its operations and projects through revenues generated from water transmission and distribution fees, without relying on tax money from the City or State. The agency has pursued federal and state grants to subsidize projects. In March 2023, BWS received "AAA" ratings from Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings, reflecting its strong financial position.

Pipeline Development

BWS manages an extensive water distribution system comprising 94 active potable water sources, 172 reservoirs, and over 2,100 miles of pipeline. This infrastructure serves nearly every community on Oʻahu, ensuring a reliable water supply for residents.

Technological Platform and Innovation

BWS has implemented several technological initiatives to enhance its operations:

Wireless Network: Partnered with Titan Technologies to design and maintain a high-capacity, scalable all-outdoor wireless network covering over 250 sites. This network supports critical data transport, including high-definition surveillance video, inter-facility links, internet connectivity, field communications, SCADA communications, and SAN mirroring.

Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC): In 2016, BWS initiated a $33 million ESPC to implement energy-saving measures, aiming to generate over $56 million in savings over 20 years through avoided electrical costs.

Leadership Team

BWS is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors, with five members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Honolulu City Council, and two serving ex-officio roles. The Board appoints the Manager and Chief Engineer to oversee daily operations. As of June 30, 2006, the leadership included:

Clifford P. Lum: Manager and Chief Engineer

Donna F. Kiyosaki: Deputy Manager and Chief Engineer

Competitor Profile

As a public utility, BWS does not have direct competitors in the traditional sense. However, it operates within a broader water utility sector, facing challenges such as aging infrastructure and the need for sustainable resource management.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

BWS collaborates with various entities to enhance its services:

Titan Technologies: Provided a wireless network solution covering over 250 BWS sites, supporting critical data transport and surveillance systems.

State and Federal Agencies: Worked with the State Department of Health, State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, and Hawaiian Electric Company to develop and implement the Energy Savings Performance Contract.

Operational Insights

BWS's extensive infrastructure and strategic initiatives position it as a leader in water utility management. The agency's focus on sustainability, technological innovation, and financial self-sufficiency enables it to effectively serve Oʻahu's residents and address challenges such as aging infrastructure and resource conservation.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

BWS continues to explore opportunities for expansion and improvement, including:

Infrastructure Upgrades: Ongoing efforts to repair and replace aging infrastructure to ensure a reliable water supply.

Sustainability Initiatives: Implementing projects like the Energy Savings Performance Contract to achieve long-term energy and cost savings.

Technological Advancements: Expanding the wireless network and other technological solutions to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.