Thirty-two water utilities are being recognized for their leadership 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 forward-thinking, innovative water utilities that are providing resilient, value-added service to communities.
The Utility of the Future framework provides a model for utilities of all sizes to achieve more efficient operations, enhanced productivity, and long-term sustainability. The recognition program component, Utility of the Future Today, was launched in 2016 by four water sector organizations—the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the Water Environment Federation (WEF), The Water Research Foundation (WRF) and WateReuse, 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.
“It is great to see the ways utilities are using innovation,” said WRF CEO Rob Renner. “WRF and partners are thrilled to continue supporting utilities that are using innovation to better serve their communities.”
The following utilities are being recognized for the first time:
• Beckley (W.Va.) Sanitary Board
• Benton Harbor St. Joseph (Mich.) Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant
• Carroll County (Md.) Water Resources Coordination Council
• City of Detroit (Mich.) Water and Sewerage Department
• City of Grandville (Mich.) Clean Water Plant
• City of Tallahassee (Fla.)
• City of Wooster (Ohio)
• Delta Diablo (Antioch, Ohio)
• Evesham Municipal Utilities Authority (Marlton, N.J.)
• Fort Wayne (Ind.) City Utilities
• Great Lakes Water Authority (Mich.)
• Houston (Texas) Water
• Kenosha (Wisc.) Water Utility
• Lafayette (Ind.) Renew
• Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (Boston)
• Metro Wastewater Reclamation District (Denver, Colo.)
• Napa (Calif.) Sanitation District
• Queensland (Australia) Urban Utilities
• Region of Waterloo (Ontario, Canada)
• Renewable Water Resources (Greenville, S.C.)
• Spokane County (Wash.) Environmental Services
• 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 (N.C.) Water
• Clean Water Services (Portland, Ore.)
• Columbus (Ga.) Water Works
• St. Cloud (Minn.) Public Utilities
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 this October in New Orleans.
To learn more, visit https://www.wef.org/utility-
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 or www.
WRF Media Contact: Carrie W. Capuco, 571.384.2097, [email protected]
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.
WEF Media Contact: Travis Loop, 703.684.2465, [email protected]
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.
NACWA Media Contact: Anthony Viardo, 202.533.1810, [email protected]
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.
