• Prestigious service recognition award salutes commitment to excellence
INDIANAPOLIS, IN, Nov. 24, 2008 -- The National Council for Public-Private Partnerships announced that the City of Indianapolis and United Water were the recipients of its prestigious Service Recognition Award for their wastewater services partnership. The award, which is bestowed annually to projects that demonstrate an exemplary public-private partnership, was presented at the Council's Awards Banquet in Indianapolis.
"We are honored to be recognized by the Council for our partnership with Indianapolis and to receive this award," stated Bob Iacullo, president of United Water. "Our involvement with the community of Indianapolis has been an exciting and rewarding experience for us, particularly in light of its success. The cost savings and improved efficiencies that have been realized by the city during our partnership are a testament to the benefits that public-private collaboration can provide to public authorities."
United Water has operated the Indianapolis facilities through a public-private partnership since 1994 and began a new nine-year contract with the city earlier this year. The company has delivered operating efficiencies which translated into $250 million in savings for the city over 13 years and earned 25 Peak Performance awards from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies for environmental improvements. United Water has also invested over $2.5 million to support more than 600 non-profit organizations during its partnership.
"Our partnership with United Water has placed Indianapolis among the best of all wastewater systems in the United States based on environmental compliance awards," said Gregory A. Ballard, Mayor of Indianapolis. "This is the efficient and effective government we strive for in all our public-private partnerships and that's what makes this relationship the right choice for this award from the NCPPP."
In addition to operating the advanced Belmont and Southport wastewater treatment plants, which have a combined capacity of 350 million gallons per day, United Water also maintains 3,000 miles of sewage collection system, operates the Eagle Creek Dam and provides laboratory services and industrial pretreatment monitoring.
"Treating water and continuously raising the bar for water quality standards is part of our commitment to sustainable development," said Iacullo. "We've used new technologies and maintenance and management techniques to reduce overflows during rain events. We've helped the city decide the best ways to invest in an aging infrastructure. That's only one measure of the success of this public-private partnership."
Iacullo said United Water is most proud of the impact the company has had in the Indianapolis community. In addition to investing $2.5 million through its community relations and environmental grant programs, United Water has mentored more than 250 Arlington High School students through its innovative Adopt-A-School program. More than 95 percent of these students went to college or received full-time employment upon graduating high school. The new contract calls for continuation of these community outreach programs and adds an exciting environmental partnership element that focuses on support of the city "Green Print" program, looking for ways to further improve the local environment and develop alternative energy sources.
United Water provides water and wastewater services to 7.3 million people in 27 states through the dedication of its 2,600 employees. Founded in 1869, United Water is a subsidiary of SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT.
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