What is ISO 24506?

ISO 24506:2019 - Activities relating to drinking water and wastewater services — Guidelines for the management of public communication is a standard that outlines how water and wastewater utilities should manage and disseminate information to the public. It covers various aspects such as:

  1. Types of information to be provided to the public
  2. Communication tools and methods
  3. Communication policies and procedures
  4. Evaluation of communication effectiveness

It is applicable to both public and private water service providers, helping them establish a structured and transparent communication framework that aligns with customer expectations and regulatory requirements.

Why is ISO 24506 important?

In today’s environment of heightened regulatory compliance, customer awareness, and demand for service transparency, ISO 24506:2019 is becoming increasingly relevant. Water utilities are under pressure to not only deliver quality water services but also ensure consistent, honest, and efficient public communication.

Opting for ISO 24506:2019 helps utilities:

  1. Build customer trust through timely and relevant information.
  2. Comply with national and local communication and service transparency regulations.
  3. Reduce customer complaints through proactive communication.
  4. Improve customer experience and stakeholder engagement.

With growing demand for ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) compliance, implementing ISO 24506 can also enhance your organization’s sustainability reporting and communication effectiveness.

What are the benefits of ISO 24506?

  1. Provides a structured framework for managing public information.
  2. Enhances consumer awareness of water service quality, pricing, and reliability.
  3. Ensures compliance with legal obligations on public disclosure.
  4. Standardizes communication protocols across departments.
  5. Supports water utilities in crisis communication (e.g., contamination alerts, service disruptions).
  6. Encourages transparency and ethical communication practices.
  7. Improves customer service and satisfaction ratings.

What kind of businesses can benefit from ISO 24506?

Implementing ISO 24506:2019 delivers long-term value and operational improvement across several business dimensions:

1.Improved Customer Relationships

Strengthens public trust and reduces disputes by offering clear, timely, and accessible communication.

2.Regulatory Compliance

Helps meet national and local laws regarding public transparency in water services.

3.Risk Management

Minimizes misinformation risks, especially during emergencies such as water shortages or contamination.

4.Operational Efficiency

Standardizes communication processes, reducing confusion and internal miscommunication.

5.Brand Reputation

Positions the utility as a responsible and customer-centric organization.

6.Crisis Communication Readiness

Equips your organization with a reliable system to handle urgent and critical announcements effectively.

7.Stakeholder Engagement

Enhances dialogue with regulators, NGOs, and communities, supporting broader ESG goals.


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