An evaluation of public-private partnerships for water and wastewater systems

This report, based on interviews with 31 community leaders currently engaged in public-private partnerships, says satisfaction with partnerships is high, employees are satisfied, and impacts on the environment, customers and the community are positive. Key findings include:

• 50 per cent of respondents were “extremely satisfied” with the partnership;
• 74 per cent say regulatory compliance has improved;
• 92 per cent say they have achieved projected cost savings;
• 93 per cent note either no change or a decline in involuntary employee turnover, and more training and professional growth opportunities for employees;
• 64 per cent report a decrease in employee grievances; and
• 93 per cent note that private partners proactively participate in community activities above and beyond what’s required in their contracts.