Masters Theses

Date of Award

12-1990

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Planning

Major

Planning

Major Professor

George E. Bowen

Committee Members

Joseph Prochaska, William Park

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the institutional issues and problems involved with the regionalization of water utility districts in East Tennessee. The main reason regional approaches are considered viable alternatives is the current ineffectiveness of small, weak utility districts in the provision of water. The data collection techniques used consisted of a literature review, survey, and case studies. The regionalization survey and case studies served to reinforce the findings from the literature review. The fear by customers of higher water rates and the resistance from the governing authorities of the utility districts present the greatest barriers to regionalization. Through the completion of the research, certain conclusions were reached. To begin with, a reorganization of utility districts is successfully achieved through cooperation and long-range planning. Forced takeovers create inter-agency conflicts between water systems and impede the efficient provision of water to customers. As a result, a general set of principles concerning regionalization should be applied to each individual case in order to identify the most effective organization arrangement. Next, regionalization schemes can provide a utility district with the additional water supplies needed to serve a growing customer base. In addition, the quality of service can be improved while water rates experience a decline. Finally, planning and management practices can be improved to meet future community needs.

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