Case Studies

Detroit Water and Sewerage Department

DWSD Upgrades the Entire City’s System with Automated Meters

Situation
The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department is updating the city’s water system by installing new meter reading technology in every in Detroit residence and business. The installation program began in 2007 and will continue for three years until all 275,000 Detroit residences and 3,000 businesses served by DWSD are equipped with automated water meters.  Berg Muirhead was a part of the team chosen to conduct the project, with an assignment to make sure Detroit residents were aware of the installation of the new meters and would welcome the installers into their homes and businesses.

Strategy
Berg Muirhead crafted a public information campaign that relied on simple, clear and concise materials.  Berg Muirhead also translated all information materials into Spanish and Arabic to reach the diverse ethnic make up of the city. We also organized information meetings in strategic quadrants of the city to provide Detroiters with an opportunity to have any questions or concerns dealt with directly by DWSD personnel.

Results
A city-wide mailing to kick off the project was well received and the community information meetings were attended by engaged and assertive citizens. DWSD was able to successfully answer any questions and concerns about the program.  The program has kicked off its first phase smoothly with no major incidents to note and is moving along with its scheduled installations as planned.