Water Utilities Recognized For Transformational Initiatives

Thirty-two water utilities are being recognized for transformational work in community engagement, watershed stewardship, and recovery of resources such as water, energy, and nutrients.

The Utility of the Future Today recognition celebrates the achievements of water utilities that transform from the traditional wastewater treatment system to a resource recovery center and leader in the overall sustainability and resilience of the communities they serve.

Utility of the Future Today 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).

The Utility of the Future concept is being promoted as water systems around the world are transforming operations through innovation and technology. The 32 utilities recognized this year are recovering resources from wastewater, engaging in their community, forming unique partnerships, and building an internal culture of innovation.

"The Utility of the Future Today honorees exemplify the kind of forward-thinking leadership that strengthens the entire water sector," said WEF Executive Director Eileen O'Neill. "We are thrilled to celebrate and recognize these utilities that not only embrace but expand water sector innovation."

These utilities are being recognized for the first time:

• Beckley Sanitary Board (W. Va.)
• Benton Harbor St. Joseph Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant (Mich.)
• Carroll County Water Resources Coordination Council (Md.)
• City of Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (Mich.)
• City of Grandville Clean Water Plant (Mich.)
• City of Tallahassee (Fla.)
• City of Wooster (Ohio)
• Delta Diablo (Calif.)
• Evesham Municipal Utilities Authority (N.J.)
• Fort Wayne City Utilities (Ind.)
• Great Lakes Water Authority (Mich.)
• Houston Water (Texas)
• Kenosha Water Utility (Wisc.)
• Lafayette Renew (Ind.)
• Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (Boston)
• Metro Wastewater Reclamation District (Denver)
• Napa Sanitation District (Calif.)
• Queensland Urban Utilities (Australia)
• Region of Waterloo (Ontario, Canada)
• Renewable Water Resources (Greenville, S.C.)
• Spokane County Environmental Services (Wash.)
• Toho Water Authority (Kissimmee, Fla.)
• Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (Laurel, Md.)
• Water Environment Services (Oregon City, Ore.)
• Western Monmouth Utilities Authority (Manalapan, N.J.)
• Western Virginia Water Authority (Roanoke, Va.)

These utilities are being recognized for a second year but for a new area of performance:

• Charlotte Water (N.C.)
• Clean Water Services (Hillsboro, Ore.)
• Columbus Water Works (Ga.)
• St. Cloud Public Utilities (Minn.)

These utilities are being recognized for a third year and in a new area of performance:

• City of Fayetteville (Ark.)
• DC Water (District of Columbia)

Honorees will be recognized during an awards ceremony at WEFTEC 2018 – WEF’s 91st annual technical exhibition and conference – this October in New Orleans.

To learn more, visit https://www.wef.org/utility-of-the-future or contact UtilityRecognition@wef.org.

About WEF
The Water Environment Federation is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization of 34,000 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
For nearly 50 years, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) has been the nation’s recognized leader in legislative, regulatory and legal advocacy on the full spectrum of clean water issues. 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.

About WRF
The Water Research Foundation is a 501c3 organization officially formed in January 2018 after the merger of the Water Environment & Reuse Foundation and Water Research Foundation. The merged Foundation is the leading water research organization, funding research, pilot projects, and technology demonstrations that maximize the value of all water, including wastewater, stormwater, drinking water, and recycled water. Learn more at www.werf.org orwww.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.