Sewer Service Public Outreach Efforts: The Erie County Experience

The Erie County Department of Environment and Planning – Division of Sewerage Management is responsible for the administration, planning, financing, design/construction, and subsequent operation and maintenance of the County's sanitary sewer facilities within seven Erie County Sewer Districts. In 2006, the Division commenced a formal public outreach program to educate the residents of Erie County on the wastewater services they receive, as well as the benefits these services provide. The public outreach program has initially focused on presentations, an advertising and "branding" program, redesign of the Division's website as a public-friendly medium, and increased community involvement. The ultimate goal of the program is to disseminate the DSM's message to the County residents so they grasp what their sewer bills fund, recognize, understand, and appreciate the wastewater services provided on a day-to-day basis, realize the importance of their sewer system, and comprehend how proper sewage collection, conveyance, and treatment affects the quality of their lives and the environment.