Overview
The Weber Basin Water Conservancy District (WBWCD) is a major water supplier in Northern Utah, serving the counties of Summit, Morgan, Weber, Davis, and Box Elder. The District's core mission is the management and delivery of water for various purposes, including agricultural, municipal, industrial, and irrigation. As part of its conservation goals, WBWCD is targeting a reduction in per capita water use by 20% by 2030, and 26% by 2045.
Key Personnel
- Scott Paxman, P.E.
- Title: General Manager & Chief Executive Officer
- Role: Scott Paxman plays a crucial role in leading the District's strategic initiatives and operational efficiencies.
- Darren Hess, P.E.
- Title: Assistant General Manager & Chief Operating Officer
- Role: He is responsible for overseeing operations and implementing strategic initiatives, such as advanced metering infrastructure to encourage water conservation.
- Tage Flint
- Title: CEO/General Manager
- Brad Nelson
- Title: Assistant General Manager, Chief Technical Officer
- Jeff Connor
- Title: Plant Manager
- Chris Hogge
- Title: Water Supply & Power Manager
- Riley Olsen
- Title: Water Supply & Power Department Manager
- Kathryn Wood
- Title: Human Resources Manager
- Rebecca Delius
- Title: Purchasing/RRA
- David Rice
- Title: Conservation Programs
Strategic and Financial Highlights
Water Management and Conservation
- Distribution Network: WBWCD delivers approximately 4,370 acre-feet of water annually through a robust network, ensuring service to various sectors.
- Conservation Programs: Initiatives include rebates for lawn conversion and installation of water-saving devices, promoting sustainable water use among the community.
Financial Position
- Revenue and Workforce: The District generates an annual revenue of $14.3 million, with a workforce of 72 employees, each contributing an estimated $198,000 in revenue. There has been a -3% decrease in the employee count from the previous year.
- Credit Rating: Holds a strong 'AAA' credit rating for its water revenue bonds, indicating a stable financial outlook.
- Budget Management: The FY2024 tentative budget outlines substantial capital improvements, underpinning future strategic infrastructure investments.
Current Initiatives
- Seismic Resilience Project: This $81 million project, partially funded by a $24 million grant, focuses on strengthening the infrastructure's resilience to seismic events.
- Culinary Water Expansion: The construction of a new 5.8 million-gallon culinary water tank is expected to complete by Fall 2023, enhancing water delivery capabilities.
Recent Developments and Future Outlook
Infrastructure Improvements
- Davis Aqueduct Project: Efforts to secure waivers for federal requirements highlight proactive project management, crucial for infrastructure enhancement.
Conservation and Sustainability Efforts
- Solar Projects: WBWCD plans to harness solar energy by installing panels along sections of its infrastructure, aligning operations with renewable energy objectives.
Community Engagement
- Public Communication: The District maintains active communication with the public through various channels, promoting transparency on water usage, conservation tactics, and service updates.
Competitor Profile
Competitors
- Energy Strategies: With a revenue of $8.3 million and 47 employees, this competitor experienced a -2% employee growth.
- Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District: A major competitor with $30.1 million in revenue, 137 employees, and a 2% increase in workforce.
- Granger-Hunter Improvement District: Generates about $7.7 million in revenue with 44 employees and has seen a -4% change in employee numbers.
Other competitors include Legend Solar, Ace Recycling, MountainWest, Moon Lake Electric, and UAMPS, each offering diverse services that range from water to energy and recycling.
Strategic Insights
Despite competitive pressures, WBWCD's comprehensive approach to water supply needs positions it favorably in Northern Utah's utilities market. Competition from entities like Jordan Valley Water indicates the necessity for strategic progress to maintain a competitive edge. Employee count reductions suggest a possible reevaluation of operational strategies to enhance effectiveness.
WBWCD remains committed to its strategic objectives, focusing on operational sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and continued improvement of infrastructure to address community needs effectively.
