Water Utilities Recognized for Transformational Initiatives in 2018

Thirty-two water utilities are being recognized in 2018 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 stability of the communities they serve.

Utility of the Future Today 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).

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 (West Virginia)
Benton Harbor St. Joseph Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant (Michigan)
Carroll County Water Resources Coordination Council (Maryland)
City of Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (Michigan)
City of Grandville Clean Water Plant (Michigan)
City of Tallahassee (Florida)
City of Wooster (Ohio)
Delta Diablo (California)
Evesham Municipal Utilities Authority (New Jersey)
Fort Wayne City Utilities (Indiana)
Great Lakes Water Authority (Michigan)
Houston Water (Texas)
Kenosha Water Utility (Wisconsin)
Lafayette Renew (Indiana)
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (Boston, Massachusetts)
Metro Wastewater Reclamation District (Denver, Colorado)
Napa Sanitation District (California)
Queensland Urban Utilities (Australia)
Region of Waterloo (Ontario, Canada)
Renewable Water Resources (Greenville, South Carolina)
Spokane County Environmental Services (Washington)
Toho Water Authority (Kissimmee, Florida)
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (Laurel, Maryland)
Water Environment Services (Oregon City, Oregon)
Western Monmouth Utilities Authority (Manalapan, New Jersey)
Western Virginia Water Authority (Roanoke, Virginia)

These utilities are being recognized for a second year but for a new area of performance:

Charlotte Water (North Carolina)
Clean Water Services (Hillsboro, Oregon)
Columbus Water Works (Georgia)
St. Cloud Public Utilities (Minnesota)

These utilities are being recognized for a third year and in a new area of performance:

City of Fayetteville (Arkansas)
DC Water (Washington, District of Columbia)

Honorees will be recognized during an awards ceremony at WEFTEC 2018 – WEF’s 91st annual technical exhibition and conference – in October 2018 in New Orleans.

To learn more, visit WEF's Utility of the Future website (https://www.wef.org/utility-of-the-future)or contact WEF via email (UtilityRecognition@wef.org)

Water Utilities Recognized for Transformational Initiatives in 2018

Sustainable Water Infrastructure