A Review of the Public Consultation Program Used in the Development of Water Supply Facilities. A Case Study

Peter G. Prier

The purpose of this paper is to review the public consultation program used in the development of water supply facilities in terms of how and why it evolved over time and to evaluate its success. The consultation program techniques are described with specific reference to changes in the program in response to opposition from an organized group of directly affected landowners. Input from the landowners’ association resulted in changes to the consultation program design and schedule. Decision-making over the course of the program shifted from the proponent to a joint committee that included landowner representatives. An evaluation of the success of the program concluded that the program was successful in building a more trusting relationship between the proponent and the opposition. Development of a public consultation program should be early in the project planning process, should maximize the opportunities to receive input and should consider joint decision-making wherever possible.

Keywords: Public Consultation, water pipeline, joint decision-making, participation.