But after many parts have failed, how can a utility manager tell that the network is near collapse?

Experienced utility managers run one of the finest and safest water supply systems in the country.

As summarized by one utility manager: "Major decisions must be made without adequate information or even the ability to obtain adequate information."

Mr. Mumm said he believed that his company's work rebuilding Iraq's electric and water utilities might not hold up unless the utility managers adopted modern operating procedures.

But utility managers note that generators are a known quantity that can be activated instantly.

To some degree, the newness of the market has discouraged sales, since many utility managers do not want to invest in commodities of uncertain value.

The feedback was done in the form of focus group discussions, public hearings and scheduled meetings between citizen representatives and utility managers.

"It does come with what is basically a human resources philosophy behind it," said Mr. Diehl, the utility manager.

For example, a city's utility manager might get a call reporting a water leak near the intersection of Soggy Street and Damp Drive.

Together, these resources are used by utility managers to identify risks, prepare for emergencies, and secure the nation's critical water infrastructure and the environment.