LITTLE ROCK, AR, OCT 16, 2017 -- Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority (LRWRA) received national recognition as a Utility of the Future Today for its forward-thinking and innovative operations. LRWRA is one of 25 utilities from around the nation receiving the award, which is presented by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, Water Environment Federation, Water Environment & Reuse Foundation, WateReuse, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. There are approximately 16,000 utilities in the United States.
LRWRA was peer-evaluated on recovering resources from wastewater, cultivating an internal culture of innovation and community engagement and unique partnerships. The utility’s application focused on:
• Using methane gas produced at Fourche Creek and converting it to power to run the facility
• Parallel treatment, disinfection, and ammonia facility upgrades at Adams Field Water Reclamation Facility
• Reuse of sludge on permitted land application sites
• The Acoustic Inspection program and Project RENEW pipe renewal program
• Success of Can the Grease and the Sewer Service Line Replacement Program and implementation of Cap the Clean Out
• Formation of employee-led groups such as WIN Teams, Safety Team and a Wellness Committee
• Partnerships with Little Rock schools for employee volunteer opportunities
Greg Ramon, LRWRA CEO, who received the award at a ceremony in Chicago, said: “this recognition confirms that the work performed daily by the men and women of LRWRA is essential for protecting our most precious resource.”
“There is only one water, and LRWRA is committed to responsibly collecting, cleaning and then returning it back into the environment.”
At a time when the nation’s water systems face challenges such as aging infrastructure, water pollution and impacts of natural disaster, the Utility of the Future Today program celebrates the achievements of utilities that are providing resilient value-added service to communities, particularly in community engagement, watershed stewardship, and recovery of resources such as water, energy, and nutrients.
“Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority is an industry leader and receiving this award furthers their commitment to being good environmental stewards,” said Richard Mays Jr., chair of the Little Rock Water Reclamation Commission.
About Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority
Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority exists to preserve and replenish the environment by reclaiming our most valuable resource—water. The reclamation and treatment services protect both public health and the environment. The utility is overseen jointly by the Chief Executive Officer and the Little Rock Water Reclamation Commission, which is comprised of seven members. These citizens are appointed by the Little Rock City Board of Directors.
