Water Sector Groups to Recognize 61 Utilities for Exceptional Performance

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A partnership of water sector organizations—the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the Water Environment & Reuse Foundation (WE&RF) and the WateReuse Association—with input from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) —proudly announce the recipients of the inaugural Utility of the Future (UOTF) Today Recognition Program. The program celebrates the progress and exceptional performance of wastewater utilities while supporting the widespread adoption of the innovative UOTF business model.

Sixty-one public and private utilities from across the U.S., Canada, and Denmark (listed below) were selected from an impressive number of first year entries by a peer committee of utility leaders. The recipients will be recognized and honored during a September 27 ceremony that will be held in conjunction with WEFTEC 2016⎯WEF’s 89th annual technical exhibition and conference⎯in New Orleans, La. The recipients will receive a display flag and a special certificate to further identify and promote their outstanding achievement as a Utility of the Future Today organization.

The UOTF concept was first introduced in 2013 to guide utilities of all sizes toward smarter, more efficient operations and a progression to full resource recovery with enhanced productivity, sustainability, and resiliency. Since then many utilities have successfully implemented new and creative programs to address local environmental and community priorities.

The selection committee selected utilities for recognition based upon the adoption of UOTF principles (water reuse, watershed stewardship, beneficial biosolids reuse, community partnering & engagement, energy efficiency, energy generation & recovery, and nutrient & materials recovery) as the “Organizational Culture of the Future.”

“Many utilities optimize their operations, consistently meet or exceed their regulatory requirements, and engage their employees and communities in meaningful and productive ways,” said WEF Executive Director Eileen O’Neill. “We are excited about this new opportunity to recognize the achievements of small, medium and large forward-thinking utilities that are providing sustainable, efficient, and value-added service to their communities.”

“EPA has been pleased to provide input to the partnering Associations on this important new program,” said Andrew Sawyers, Director of EPA’s Office of Wastewater Management. “We believe it will play an important role in EPA’s efforts to advance effective and sustainable practices that will help utilities across the sector on their journey to becoming the Utility of the Future.”

“NACWA applauds all the recipients of the inaugural Utility of the Future Recognition Program,” said NACWA CEO Adam Krantz. “Utility leaders are engaged in unparalleled innovation and this recognition will inspire the sector as a whole to achieve still untapped economic and environmental benefits for their communities and the nation.”

To learn more about the Utility of the Future (UOTF) Today Recognition Program, visit www.wefnet.org/utilityrecognition or contact UtilityRecognition@wef.org.

About WEF

The Water Environment Federation is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization of 33,000 individual members and 75 affiliated Member Associations representing water quality professionals around the world. Since 1928, WEF and its members have protected public health and the environment. As a global water sector leader, our mission is to connect water professionals; enrich the expertise of water professionals; increase the awareness of the impact and value of water; and provide a platform for water sector innovation. To learn more, visit www.wef.org.

About NACWA

The National Association of Clean Water Agencies is the leading advocate for responsible national policies that advance clean water.  NACWA represents the collective interests of America’s clean water utilities nationwide – and their clear commitment to America’s waters.  For over 45 years, NACWA has been the clean water community’s voice in Congress, at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies, as well as in the media and in the courts. To learn more, visit www.nacwa.org.

About WE&RF

The Water Environment & Reuse Foundation (WE&RF) is a 501c3 charitable corporation seeking to identify, support, and disseminate research that enhances the quality and reliability of water for natural systems and communities with an integrated approach to resource recovery and reuse; while facilitating interaction among practitioners, educators, researchers, decision makers, and the public.

To learn more, visit www.werf.org.

About WateReuse

WateReuse is an international thought-leader on alternative water supply development and the global go-to source for applied research, education, and advocacy on water reuse. Representing a coalition that includes utilities, government agencies, and industry; WateReuse works to educate policymakers and the public on the science, economic value, and environmental benefits of treating water to safely use it for designated purposes, such as irrigation, manufacturing, and drinking. To learn more, visit www.watereuse.org.

Utility of the Future Today Recipients

Aarhus Vand, Denmark

Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority, NM

Alexandria Renew Enterprises, VA

Avon Lake Regional Water, OH

Baltimore City Department of Public Works, MD

Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority, NJ

Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department, FL

City of Fayetteville, AK

Charlotte Water, NC

City of Cedar Rapids, IA

City of Fond du Lac, WI

City of Grand Rapids, MI

City of Gresham, OR

City of Los Angeles, LA Sanitation, WESD, One Water, CA

City of Roseville, CA

City of San Diego Public Utilities Department, CA

City of San Jose – Environmental Services Department, CA

City of San Luis Obispo Utilities Department, CA

City of Tacoma Environmental Services, WA

City of Tucson/Tucson Water, AZ

Clayton County Water Authority, GA

Clean Water Services, OR

Daphne Utilities, AL

Department of Water Resources Gwinnett County, GA

District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water), Washington, DC

Downers Grove Sanitary District, IL

East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), CA

Fairfax County Wastewater Management Program, VA

Fairfield Suisun Sewer District, CA

Glenbard Wastewater Authority, IL

Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District, WI

Hermitage Municipal Authority, PA

HRSD, VA

Kent County Public Works, DE

King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division, WA

Knoxville Utility Board, TN

Littleton/Englewood Wastewater Treatment Plant, CO

LOTT Clean Water Alliance, WA

Metro Vancouver BC – Liquid Waste Services, Canada

Metro Council Environmental Services St. Paul, MN

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, IL

Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, WI

Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency, CA

Murfreesboro, TN Water and Sewer Department’s (MWSD), TN

Narragansett Bay Commission, RI

New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), NY

Orange County Sanitation District, CA

Orange Water and Sewer Authority, NC

Pima County RWRD, AZ

Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District, CA

San Francisco Public Utilities Program, CA

Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, CA

Santa Rosa Water, CA

Scottsdale Water, AZ

Spartanburg Water, SC

Stevens Point Wastewater Treatment Plant, WI Trinity River Authority of Texas, TX

University Area Joint Authority, PA

Upper Occoquan Service Authority, VA

VCS Denmark

Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority (VVWRA), CA

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.