The operating environment for water utilities is changing. New information and control systems and operating procedures are required to manage water utility operations. Operations and maintenance managers must pursue improved planning and scheduling methods to reduce costs. Electric deregulation presents an opportunity and a challenge for energy cost reduction. Water quality and supply issues must be managed to maximize system performance and minimize costs. EWQMS systems enable water utilities to better utilize limited resources to provide optimal service to their customers. By planning and scheduling operations processes and integrating the use of data from automated systems, an EWQMS enables utilities to do more with less-just what is needed in the changing business climate.