The current capacity of the utility refers to its pre-existing resources, processes, technology and relevant staff training at the beginning of the roadmap process. The ability to internally organise, identify opportunities and implement solutions effectively depends entirely on the capacity of the water utility.
Each utility has a different starting capacity, so the roadmap is designed so that utilities can begin with the minimum capacity necessary to understand what the areas for improvement are within their system. This process will also lead utilities to understand at which point consultant or expert support is needed to continue on this path.

There may be various policies or strategies at different governmental levels that are either directly or indirectly aligned with climate mitigation in the water sector. These policies and strategies can be found at the city scale, or at the state, regional, and national scales. In the case of the Paris Agreement, this is an example of a policy drafted at the international level and spread at the national level.

The engagement of key community stakeholders can facilitate improvements in the urban water sector through the development of lasting partnerships and support for specific projects. For example, if a wastewater utility needs to expand coverage, partnering with the neighbouring drinking water utility is beneficial for expanding both drinking water and wastewater services. In this scenario, the two utilities could apply for funding together with a stronger joint case.

As an example, utilities such as Waternet in Amsterdam report that it has taken them many years to get the stakeholders’ engagement to the level where carbon neutrality is now one of the objectives of the utility.