Water Environment Federation Seeks Applications For Utility of the Future Today Recognition Program

The application period is open for the Utility of the Future Today recognition program, which seeks to honor water resource recovery facilities for community engagement, watershed stewardship, and recovery of resources such as water, energy, and nutrients.

The Utility of the Future Today concept is being promoted as water systems transform operations through innovation and technology. The Utility of the Future is a model for utilities of all sizes to achieve more efficient operations, enhanced productivity, and long-term sustainability. Since the program launched in 2016, 183 utilities have been recognized with the honor.

The Utility of the Future activity areas focus on:
• recovery and new uses of a range of resources;
• engagement as a leader in the full water cycle and broader social, economic, and environmental sustainability of the community;
• engagement in the community and formation of partnerships necessary for success when operating outside of the traditional span of the utility; and
• transformation of the internal utility culture in support of these innovations.

Public and private water sector utilities of all sizes that can demonstrate achievement of the application requirements are encouraged to apply by May 14 at 5 p.m. EDT. Applicants must have no major permit violations in the year prior to the submission date of their applications.

Honorees will be notified during the summer and formally recognized during an awards ceremony at WEFTEC 2021 this October in Chicago.

Since the Utility of the Future concept was introduced in 2013, many utilities have successfully implemented new and creative programs to address local wastewater technical and community challenges. The recognition program was launched in 2016 by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the Water Environment Federation (WEF), The Water Research Foundation (WRF), and the WateReuse Association — with input from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

For more information, visit https://www.wef.org/utility-of-the-future/.

About WEF
The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization of more than 30,000 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. For more information, visit www.wef.org.