The forward-thinking initiatives of 33 water utilities are being recognized by the Water Environment Federation as Utilities of the Future Today as they reimagine partnerships and community engagement, watershed stewardship, and recovery of resources such as water, energy, and nutrients.
“These utilities are redefining what it means to serve their communities by embracing innovation, protecting vital water resources, and creating lasting environmental and economic benefits. We are proud to recognize their leadership and the positive impact they are making today and for the future,” said Keith Hobson, President of WEF’s Board of Trustees.
The Utility of the Future Today recognition program celebrates the achievements of water utilities that transform from traditional wastewater treatment systems to resource recovery centers and become leaders in the overall sustainability and resilience of the communities they serve. The utilities will be honored during a ceremony on September 29th at WEFTEC in New Orleans.
Utility of the Future Today is a partnership program of WEF, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), The Water Research Foundation (WRF), the WateReuse Association, and the U.S. Water Alliance, with input from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
First-Time Honorees
| Utility | Area of Activity |
| San Fernando Waste Water Treatment Plant | Energy Generation & Recovery |
| Clark County Water Reclamation District (CCWRD) | Partnering & Engagement |
| Orange County Utilities | Partnering & Engagement |
| SANASA – Sociedade de Abastecimento de Água e Saneamento S/A | Water Reuse |
| Pluris Hampstead, LLC | Watershed Stewardship |
Previous Honorees Recognized in a New Area of Activity
| Utility | Area of Activity |
| Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago | Beneficial Biosolids Use |
| Silicon Valley Clean Water | Beneficial Biosolids Use |
| Clean Water Services | Energy Efficiency |
| Dublin San Ramon Services District | Energy Generation & Recovery |
| Narragansett Bay Commission | Energy Generation & Recovery |
| Orange County Sanitation District | Energy Generation & Recovery |
| University Area Joint Authority | Energy Generation & Recovery |
| Broward County Water and Wastewater Operations – North Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant | Nutrient Reduction & Materials Recovery |
| Hampton Roads Sanitation District | Nutrient Reduction & Materials Recovery |
| Lowell Regional Wastewater Utility | Nutrient Reduction & Materials Recovery |
| Toho Water Authority | Nutrient Reduction & Materials Recovery |
| Town of Jupiter Utilities | Nutrient Reduction & Materials Recovery |
| West Chicago/Winfield Wastewater Authority | Nutrient Reduction & Materials Recovery |
| Eastern Municipal Water District | Partnering & Engagement |
| Fairfax County Wastewater Management Program | Partnering & Engagement |
| Fort Pierce Utilities Authority | Partnering & Engagement |
| Glenbard Wastewater Authority | Partnering & Engagement |
| Holland Board of Public Works (Holland Area Water Reclamation Facility) | Partnering & Engagement |
| Irvine Ranch Water District | Partnering & Engagement |
| Western Virginia Water Authority | Partnering & Engagement |
| Charlotte Water | Water Reuse |
| City of Tucson Water Department | Water Reuse |
| City of Zeeland, Clean Water Plant | Water Reuse |
| EPCOR | Water Reuse |
| AlexRenew | Watershed Stewardship |
| City of Santa Monica | Watershed Stewardship |
| Columbus Water Works | Watershed Stewardship |
| Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District | Watershed Stewardship |
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
Contact: Trinity Foreman, Director of Communications, tforeman@wef.org
About WEF
The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization providing water professionals with the latest in education and training. WEF is leading the transformation to the Circular Water Economy: reducing waste, recovering resources, and regenerating ecosystems. Founded in 1928, WEF’s mission is to inspire its 31,000 members and 75 affiliated member organizations and the water community in pursuit of human and environmental wellbeing. WEFTEC, WEF’s premiere event, is the largest annual water quality exhibition in North America attracting a diverse, global audience. More than 20,000 registrants and 1,000 exhibitors convene at WEFTEC to experience innovative solutions and gain expert insights that positively impact the future of water. For more information, visit wef.org.