The Utility of the Future Today initiative is recognizing 32 water utilities 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.
The initiative was first launched 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 – Sept. 29 – Oct. 3 in New Orleans. To learn more, visit https://www.wef.org/utility-of-the-future or contact UtilityRecognition@wef.org.
