2026 Utility Of The Future Today Recognition

The forward-thinking initiatives of 33 water utilities are being recognized by the Water Environment Federation as Utilities of the Future Today as they reimagine partnerships and community engagement, and Circular Water Economy practices, including reduction, recovery, and regenerative strategies.

“This honor reflects forward-thinking innovation, sustainability, and community leadership. Thank you for strengthening the water sector and helping build resilience today and for the future,” said Howard Carter, President of WEF’s Board of Trustees.

The Utility of the Future Today recognition program celebrates the achievements of water utilities that transform from a traditional wastewater treatment system to a resource recovery center and leader in the overall sustainability and resilience of the communities they serve. The utilities will be honored during a ceremony on September 29th at WEFTEC in New Orleans.”

Utility of the Future Today is a partnership program of WEF, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), The Water Research Foundation (WRF), the WateReuse Association, and the U.S. Water Alliance, with input from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

First-Time Honorees

Utility	Area of Activity
San Fernando Waste Water Treatment Plant	Energy Generation & Recovery
Clark County Water Reclamation District (CCWRD)	Partnering & Engagement
Orange County Utilities	Partnering & Engagement
SANASA – Sociedade de Abastecimento de Água e Saneamento S/A	Water Reuse
Pluris Hampstead, LLC	Watershed Stewardship

 

Previous Honorees Recognized in a New Area of Activity

Utility	Area of Activity
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago	Beneficial Biosolids Use
Silicon Valley Clean Water	Beneficial Biosolids Use
Clean Water Services	Energy Efficiency
Dublin San Ramon Services District	Energy Generation & Recovery
Narragansett Bay Commission	Energy Generation & Recovery
Orange County Sanitation District	Energy Generation & Recovery
University Area Joint Authority	Energy Generation & Recovery
Broward County Water and Wastewater Operations – North Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant	Nutrient Reduction & Materials Recovery
Hampton Roads Sanitation District	Nutrient Reduction & Materials Recovery
Lowell Regional Wastewater Utility	Nutrient Reduction & Materials Recovery
Toho Water Authority	Nutrient Reduction & Materials Recovery
Town of Jupiter Utilities	Nutrient Reduction & Materials Recovery
West Chicago/Winfield Wastewater Authority	Nutrient Reduction & Materials Recovery
Eastern Municipal Water District	Partnering & Engagement
Fairfax County Wastewater Management Program	Partnering & Engagement
Fort Pierce Utilities Authority	Partnering & Engagement
Glenbard Wastewater Authority	Partnering & Engagement
Holland Board of Public Works (Holland Area Water Reclamation Facility)	Partnering & Engagement
Irvine Ranch Water District	Partnering & Engagement
Western Virginia Water Authority	Partnering & Engagement
Charlotte Water	Water Reuse
City of Tucson Water Department	Water Reuse
City of Zeeland, Clean Water Plant	Water Reuse
EPCOR	Water Reuse
AlexRenew	Watershed Stewardship
City of Santa Monica	Watershed Stewardship
Columbus Water Works	Watershed Stewardship
Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District	Watershed Stewardship

 

About NACWA

The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) represents public wastewater and stormwater agencies of all sizes nationwide. Our unique and growing network strengthens the advocacy voice for all member utilities, and ensures they have the tools necessary to provide affordable and sustainable clean water for all.  Our vision is to represent every utility as a NACWA member, helping to build a strong and sustainable clean water future. For more information, visit us at www.nacwa.org. NACWA Media Contact: Nathan Gardner-Andrews, 202.833.3692, ngardner-andrews@nacwa.org.

About WRF

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is a nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems in pursuit of protection of public health and the environment. WRF represents approximately 1,200 subscribers, hosts an online research library of more than 2,300 completed projects valued at $700 million, manages an innovation platform with a database of more than 140 innovative technologies, and supports the world’s largest body of stormwater best practice data. For more information, visit www.waterrf.org. WRF Media Contact: Lexie Vean, 303.717.2848, lvean@waterrf.org 

About the WateReuse Association

The WateReuse Association is the nation’s only trade association solely dedicated to advancing laws, policy, funding, and public acceptance of recycled water. The WateReuse Association represents a coalition of utilities that recycle water, businesses that support the development of recycled water projects, and users of recycled water. Our members are incorporating water reuse into their water management strategies as a proven method for ensuring a safe, reliable, locally controlled water supply. To learn more, visit www.watereuse.org. WateReuse Media Contact: Zachary Dorsey, 571.445.5503, zdorsey@watereuse.org

About the US Water Alliance

The US Water Alliance is a nonprofit organization that educates the nation on the true value of water and water equity, accelerates the adoption of One Water principles and solutions, and celebrates innovation in water management. The Alliance brings together diverse interests to identify and advance common-ground, achievable solutions to our nation’s most pressing water challenges. Our nearly 200 members and partners include community leaders, water providers, public officials, business leaders, environmental organizations, policy organizations, and more. Learn more at www.uswateralliance.org. US Water Alliance Media Contact: Abigail Gardner, agardner@thevalueofwater.org

About WEF 

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization providing water professionals with the latest in education and training. WEF is leading the transformation to the Circular Water Economy: reducing waste, recovering resources, and regenerating ecosystems. Founded in 1928, WEF’s mission is to inspire its 31,000 members and 75 affiliated member organizations and the water community in pursuit of human and environmental wellbeing. WEFTEC, WEF’s premiere event, is the largest annual water quality exhibition in North America attracting a diverse, global audience. More than 20,000 registrants and 1,000 exhibitors convene at WEFTEC to experience innovative solutions and gain expert insights that positively impact the future of water. For more information, visit wef.org.