From small island communities to national planning tables, Marson Anthony Aderiano is helping ensure that Palau’s water systems are managed with clarity, evidence, and purpose. As Outlying States Water System Supervisor and Water & Wastewater Benchmarking Data Focal Point at Palau Public Utilities Corporation (PUC), Marson oversees operations across 17 water treatment plants and supports more than 40 operators serving communities spread across Palau’s islands. After eight years in the military, Marson returned home to serve his country through water and sanitation. Today, his work focuses on strengthening operational management, improving treatment processes, and building climate-resilient systems in the face of drought, saltwater intrusion, and aging infrastructure. For Marson, data is not an abstract exercise, it is a practical tool for better decisions. Palau has engaged in benchmarking since 2019, and NewIBNET has deepened that journey by improving data quality, enabling peer comparison, and strengthening internal discussions. Benchmarking results have already influenced priorities such as reducing non-revenue water and improving drinking water quality, while also strengthening funding proposals for critical projects. “We benchmark because we want to know if we’re truly doing a good job for our community,” Marson explains. Looking ahead, Marson sees benchmarking as a long-term compass helping Palau track progress, learn from peers, and steadily raise service standards across all islands. His story reflects how even small utilities can use data deliberately to drive meaningful change. Participation at the IWA Water & Development Congress 2025 (Bangkok) At the Business Forum in Bangkok, Marson represented the Republic of Palau and shared how benchmarking has become “a vital instrument in guiding the management of our national water supply systems.” He emphasized that for small island utilities, benchmarking is not an annual reporting exercise but “embedded in daily management,” helping Palau prioritize leak reduction, optimize energy use, target investments, and turn performance data into concrete action. His message resonated strongly: benchmarking provides clarity, confidence, and direction for utilities facing climate vulnerability, aging infrastructure, and limited resources. Image