DC Water and Sewer Authority (DC WASA)

DC WASA http://www.dcwasa.com

In 2008, the DC Water and Sewer Authority (DC WASA), an award-winning utility company, determined that it was time for a new website. They were seeking a fresh new design that reflected their focus on the environment and their commitment to customer service. And because the website serves many audiences—consumers, regulators, engineers, board members, and more – it was important to conduct a deep dive into the organization’s goals, challenges and vision for the future to ensure that the new site reflected DC WASA’s brand.

Working closely with DC WASA, WebFirst performed the following activities:

  • Conducted a Site Assessment: With an in-depth review of dcwasa.com, we identified the site’s strengths and weaknesses; in addition, we conducted a review of competitive websites to compare designs, marketing messages, and navigation.
  • Held Extensive Interviews: We spoke with key stakeholders at DC WASA—from engineering experts to customer service managers and board members—to better understand their audiences, challenges, and goals.
  • Distributed an Online Customer Survey: And because user feedback is critical to the planning and development of a new site, we created an online survey to gather feedback from visitors to dcwasa.com.
  • Created a Comprehensive Web Development Plan: Based on the information we gathered and following our highly successful web development process, we developed a completely new information architecture and redesign requirements, including sitemap and wireframes.
  • Re-designed the website: WebFirst made extensive use of HTML, CSS and scripting languages, integrating the new design with DC WASA’s Content Management System.

The end result? DC WASA now has a fresh and attractive website design that demonstrates their commitment to protecting the environment and their focus on providing consumers with excellent service. And equally as important, the website enables visitors to find information quickly and easily. The site has been praised by both board members as well as external stakeholders.

Did you know?

DC WASA's Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant is the largest advanced water treatment plant in the world, with a capacity of 370 million gallons per day (MGD), a peak capacity of 1.076 billion gallons per day and covering 150 acres. Moreover, DC WASA operates and maintains over 1,200 miles of pipes, five pumping stations, five reservoirs, 36,000 valves and over 8,700 public hydrants.

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