Utility of the Future Today - WEF

Utility of the Future Today

This recognition program seeks to reach deeply into the water sector to form and motivate a community of like-minded water utilities engaged in advancing resource efficiency and recovery, developing proactive relationships with stakeholders, and establishing resilient, sustainable, and livable communities.

See the 2025 Utility of the Future Honorees and learn more about the program.

2025 UOTF Honorees

UotF 2026 Application ProcessThe UotF 2026 recognition program requires applicants to download and complete the UotF 2026 application form and submit it via https://wef.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/405/home between March 7 and May 14, 2026, 11:59 ET, with notifications sent by June 18, 2026. Selected honorees will be recognized at a ceremony during WEFTEC 2026 in New Orleans, LA, and will receive a Certificate of Recognition, a banner, and a 2026 flag. While we hope to see all recognized honorees at WEFTEC, however, attendance is not required for recognition. Questions can be directed to UtilityRecognition@wef.org.

About this Program

Goals of the Recognition

The Utility of the Future Today Recognition Program seeks to reach deeply into the water sector to form and motivate a community of like-minded water utilities engaged in advancing resource efficiency and recovery, developing proactive relationships with stakeholders, and establishing resilient, sustainable, and livable communities.

Read more about the program

About

Utility of the Future Partners

Five organizations have partnered to extend the reach of this program.

Learn More About the Partners

Past Honorees

Since its inception in 2016, the UotFT program has recognized 241 utilities and continues to grow, and we hope to continue that trend.

Have questions? Email us at UtilityRecognition@wef.org.

Where the Water Community Connects

See how WEF connects the people and ideas driving clean water and public health. Membership gives you access to benefits, resources, and a network committed to impact.

Join or Renew Online

Download an Application

Explore All Practice Areas

Biosolids Resource Recovery

Safe and sustainable: Biosolids management transforms wastewater solids into odor-controlled, pathogen-reduced agricultural products, strictly regulated for environmental safety.

Biosolids Resource Recovery

Collection Systems and Conveyance

Sanitary sewers safely transport household and commercial wastewater through underground systems, improving public health and meeting modern infrastructure standards.

Collection Systems and Conveyance

Government & Regulatory Affairs

Empower water professionals with knowledge and tools to influence public policy-WEF advocacy promotes awareness and engagement on key water issues.

Government & Regulatory Affairs

Public Health

The water sector and its systems protect public and ecological health. Using the data that can be collected through smart water technologies provides additional insights to address complex public health issues.

Stormwater & Watershed Management

Take a comprehensive look at how all water resources, including uplands, drainage basins, wetlands, stormwater, surface water, and groundwater interact.

Stormwater & Watershed Management

Water & Wastewater Treatment

More than 16,000 publicly owned water resource recovery facilities operate in the United States. Skilled engineers and operators work together to ensure new and updated facilities continue to protect public health and the environment.

Water & Wastewater Treatment

Industrial Water Resources

Industries treat and reuse wastewater and process water as well as provide environmentally sustainable wastewater treatment while reducing costs and maintaining value for their businesses.

Industrial Water Resources

Operations

From hands-on training and leadership opportunities, such as the WEFTEC Operations Challenge, to online training, such as the Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals series, WEF provides operators with many opportunities to advance on-the-job knowledge and develop their careers.

Utility Management

To respond to myriad daily challenges faced by water and wastewater utility leaders, WEF continuously works with its members and partners to develop various management initiatives, resources, and educational, training, and networking opportunities.

Utility Management

Advertisements