AWWA will keep e-commerce site despite controversy

Jan. 23, 2002 -- The American Water Works Association has chosen to continue its role in e-commerce.
AWWA's board of directors voted to keep working with EfficientUtilities, a web site for procurement of water and wastewater equipment, Water Tech Online reported.
Some AWWA members have opposed the association's interaction with the site, and participation in its annual show has reportedly suffered as a result.
According to Water Tech News, AWWA's show has lost an estimated $500,000 from exhibitors who canceled their booths. This is approximately as much money as the association already has invested in EfficientUtilities.
The AWWA board has said the controversy results from misinformation circulating among its members, Water Tech said.
The members who oppose AWWA's role in the site say that the competitive bid process could be harmed if bidding companies can see each others' bids, and that AWWA shouldn't be involved in a for-profit venture.
AWWA has said the system is set up so that bidder information is protected.
To read the entire story, visit Water Tech Online at http://www.watertechonline.com. For more information, visit http://www.efficientutilities.com/ or http://www.awwa.org.