The Utility of the Future Today program is pleased to recognize 47 water utilities that are benefiting their communities and inspiring the water sector through innovative, future-focused, transformational programs. The 2023 honorees will be recognized in person at WEFTEC 2023, the Water Environment Federation’s annual technical conference, on Tuesday, October 3, from 1:00-3:15 p.m. CT, in Chicago, IL.
“Of all the challenges faced by our cities and the environment, water is at the top of the list for many communities. Water utilities are the front line in tackling these challenges,” says Todd Swingle, CEO and Executive Director of the Toho Water Authority, which has been honored six times by the program.
He adds: “The Utility of the Future Today program helps us mark our progress in meeting the changing needs of the communities we serve as we deliver on a sustainable future that prioritizes resilience through a strategy of resource conservation and recovery.”
Launched in 2016 and judged by a panel of experts made up of utility professionals, general managers, and water experts, the Utility of the Future Today program recognizes water utilities that are reimagining community partnership and engagement, watershed stewardship, and recovery of resources such as water, energy, and nutrients.
Utility of the Future Today is a partnership of the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the Water Research Foundation (WRF), the WateReuse Association, and the U.S. Water Alliance. The program is supported by advisory partners, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
This year’s honorees include 9 utilities that are being recognized for the first time and 38 previous honorees that are being recognized for excellence in new activity areas.
First Time Honorees
| Utility | Area of Activity |
| City of Santa Monica | Water Reuse |
| Denver Water | Partnering & Engagement |
| Dubai Municipality | Nutrient Reduction & Materials Recovery |
| EPCOR Water Services Inc. Gold Bar Wastewater Treatment Plant | Beneficial Biosolids Use |
| Ontario Clean Water Agency | Partnering & Engagement |
| Palm Beach County Water Utilities | Water Reuse |
| San Jose Water | Watershed Stewardship |
| Toronto Water | Energy Generation & Recovery |
| Town of Jupiter, FL | Partnering & Engagement |
Previous Honorees Recognized in a New Area of Activity in 2023
| Utility | Area of Activity |
| Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority | Energy Generation & Recovery |
| Alexandria Renew Enterprises | Partnering & Engagement |
| Anne Arundel County, Department of Public Works – Bureau of Utility Operations | Energy Generation & Recovery |
| Broward County Water & Wastewater Operation, North Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant | Nutrient Reduction & Materials Recovery |
| Capitol Region Watershed District | Watershed Stewardship |
| City of Boca Raton Utility Services | Beneficial Biosolids Use |
| City of El Dorado, Wetlands and Water Reclamation Facility | Watershed Stewardship |
| City of Fayetteville, Utility Department | Nutrient Reduction & Materials Recovery |
| City of Pompano Beach | Partnering & Engagement |
| City of St. Cloud | Energy Generation & Recovery |
| City of Vancouver (Washington) | Partnering & Engagement |
| Clean Water Services | Energy Generation & Recovery |
| Eastern Municipal Water District | Water Reuse |
| EPCOR | Water Reuse |
| Fairfax County Wastewater Management Program | Energy Efficiency |
| Glenbard Wastewater Authority | Energy Efficiency |
| Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) | Nutrient Reduction & Materials Recovery |
| Holland Board of Public Works Water Reclamation Facility | Nutrient Reduction & Materials Recovery |
| Irvine Ranch Water District | Watershed Stewardship |
| Los Angeles Department of Water and Power | Water Reuse |
| McAllen Public Utility | Partnering & Engagement |
| Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago | Partnering & Engagement |
| Moulton Niguel Water District | Partnering & Engagement |
| Oakland County Water Resources | Watershed Stewardship |
| Orange County Sanitation District | Water Reuse |
| Orange County Water District | Water Reuse |
| Philadelphia Water Department | Watershed Stewardship |
| Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department | Beneficial Biosolids Use |
| San Francisco Public Utilities Commission | Partnering & Engagement |
| Silicon Valley Clean Water | Energy Generation & Recovery |
| South Platte Renew | Energy Efficiency |
| Southern Nevada Water Authority | Partnering & Engagement |
| Toho Water Authority | Energy Efficiency |
| Town of Cary, Utilities | Energy Generation & Recovery |
| Tucson Water | Water Reuse |
| University Area Joint Authority | Water Reuse |
| Western Virginia Water Authority | Energy Generation & Recovery |
To learn more, visit wef.org/utility-of-the-future or email UtilityRecognition@wef.org
About NACWA
The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (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: Nathan Gardner-Andrews, 202.833.3692, ngardner-andrews@nacwa.org.
About WRF
The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is a nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems in pursuit of protection of public health and the environment. WRF represents approximately 1,200 subscribers, hosts an online research library of more than 2,300 completed projects valued at $700 million, manages an innovation platform with a database of more than 140 innovative technologies, and supports the world’s largest body of stormwater best practice data. For more information, visit www.waterrf.org. WRF Media Contact: Lexie Vean, 303.717.2848, lvean@waterrf.org
About the WateReuse Association
The WateReuse Association is the nation’s only trade association solely dedicated to advancing laws, policy, funding, and public acceptance of recycled water. The WateReuse Association represents a coalition of utilities that recycle water, businesses that support the development of recycled water projects, and users of recycled water. Our members are incorporating water reuse into their water management strategies as a proven method for ensuring a safe, reliable, locally controlled water supply. To learn more, visit www.watereuse.org. WateReuse Media Contact: Zachary Dorsey, 571.445.5503, zdorsey@watereuse.org
About the US Water Alliance
The US Water Alliance is a nonprofit organization that educates the nation on the true value of water and water equity, accelerates the adoption of One Water principles and solutions, and celebrates innovation in water management. The Alliance brings together diverse interests to identify and advance common-ground, achievable solutions to our nation’s most pressing water challenges. Our nearly 200 members and partners include community leaders, water providers, public officials, business leaders, environmental organizations, policy organizations, and more. Learn more at www.uswateralliance.org. US Water Alliance Media Contact: Abigail Gardner, agardner@thevalueofwater.org
