Utilities
The availability of adequate energy, water, and waste water treatment at a reasonable price is basic in attracting new industries. Availability of electricity or natural gas at the industrial site, utility rates, anticipated future supplies, and policies for line extensions, and fire protection and insurance rates are all considerations for managers seeking new plant locations.
Water is the most widely used natural resource in industry. It may be incorporated into the product, used in processing, in steam generation, in cooling, and in normal sanitary uses. The main concerns are with the quantity and quality of the water supply. In recent years, strict federal and state standards relating to environmental consequences of water use and waste water disposal have had an effect on industrial water considerations. For instance, an increasing number of industries that normally consider treating their own waste water are looking for locations where public sewage disposal systems are adequate or can be constructed to meet their needs. Or, they seek an open space location where they will be responsible only for their own waste water treatment. The attractiveness of a community can be greatly enhanced by providing industry adequate water supplies and effective waste water treatment.