LOS ANGELES, July 23, 2004 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Peter J. Moerbeek, president and chief operating officer of Southwest Water Co., has been named president of the Washington, D.C.-based Water Partnership Council (WPC) for 2004-2005.
Formed in 2001, the WPC is comprised of companies that provide contract operation and maintenance services for water and wastewater systems. Its mission is to advance the cause of sustainable water quality in the United States by helping communities and companies operate their water and wastewater treatment facilities in the safest, most environmentally sound and cost-effective manner possible.
"Public-private partnerships," said Moerbeek, "are a proven means of delivering quality water services in more than 1,200 American communities. Through our Services Group subsidiaries, Southwest Water has provided such services since 1985. Unlike privatization, in which ownership of municipal facilities is transferred to the private sector, public-private partnerships allow cities to retain ownership of their facilities along with a comfortable level of control. The private partner provides operational expertise and assumes responsibility for regulatory compliance. Cities often realize cost savings in the process."
Moerbeek continued, "Today, municipalities across the country find themselves facing significant water-related challenges, such as dwindling supplies, tightening quality regulations, deteriorating infrastructure and growing budget constraints. My goal as president of the WPC is to continue promoting public-private partnerships as an effective way of meeting these challenges."
Southwest Water Company provides a broad range of services: water production, treatment and distribution; wastewater collection and treatment; public works services; utility billing and collection; and utility infrastructure construction management. With more than two million customers in 35 states, the company owns regulated public utilities and also serves cities, utility districts and private companies under contract.
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