DENVER, CO --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 promotes a community of innovative water utilities engaged in advancing resource efficiency and recovery, developing proactive relationships with stakeholders, and establishing resilient and livable communities. 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.
“Pursuing innovative practices is a great way for water utilities to become more resilient,” said Dr. Peter Grevatt, WRF CEO. “We are thrilled to join with our partners to provide this platform for recognition.” The Utility of the Future activity areas focus on:
- recovery and new uses of a range of resources;
- engagement as a leader in integrated water resource management 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).
