This standard describes the critical elements of e?ective business practices for the operation and management of water, wastewater, and reclaimed water utilities (to be referred to as the water sector). It encompasses the major functions necessary to manage and sustain a successful utility. This standard can be referenced in the development and evaluation of the business practices described in Sec. 1.1. The stipulations of this standard apply when this document has been referenced and then only to the business practices described in Sec. 1.1.