The Utility of the Future Today recognition program celebrates the achievements of water utilities that transform from a traditional wastewater treatment system to a resource recovery center and leader in the overall sustainability and resilience 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 39 utilities recognized this year are recovering resources from wastewater, leading community engagement, forming unique partnerships, and building an internal culture of innovation.

"The transformational approach to utility management each of the Utility of Future Today honorees have shown benefits communities and water in several significant ways," said WEF President Lynn Broaddus. "We are delighted to celebrate the impact of these utilities and proud to recognize their leadership in water sector innovation."

These utilities are being recognized for the first time:

• Village of Wellington Water Reclamation Facility - Boca Raton, Fla.
• City of Vancouver, Marine Park and Westside Wastewater Treatment Facilities - Vancouver, Wash.
• Derry Township Municipal Authority - Hershey, Pa.
• Dodge City South Reclamation Facility - Dodge City, Kan.
• Saco Water Resource Recovery Department - Saco, Maine
• York Sewer District - York, Maine
• Town and Country Utilities - Babcock Ranch, Fla.
• Lincoln Wastewater System - Lincoln, Neb.
• Colorado Springs Utilities - Colorado Springs, Colo.
• Town of Cary Utilities – Cary, N.C.
• Carlsbad Municipal Water District – Carlsbad, Calif.

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

• Upper Occoquan Service Authority – Centreville, Va.
• Scottsdale Water – Scottsdale, Ariz.
• New York City Department of Environmental Protection – Flushing, N.Y.
• Monterey One Water – Monterey, Calif.
• Chesterfield County Department of Utilities – Chesterfield, Va.
• Hanover Sewerage Authority – Whippany, N.J.
• Brunswick Regional Water and Sewer H2GO – Leland, N.C.
• Lafayette Renew – Lafayette, Ind.
• City of Cape Coral – Cape Coral, Fla.
• Loudoun Water – Ashburn, Va.
• Napa Sanitation District – Napa, Calif.
• Metro Wastewater Reclamation District – Denver, Colo.
• City of Pompano Beach Utilities – Pompano Beach, Fla.
• Oakland County Water Resources – Waterford, Mich.
• Eastern Municipal Water District – Perris, Calif.
• Holland Area Water Reclamation Facility – Holland, Mich.
• McAllen Public Utility – McAllen, Texas
• Central Arkansas Water – Little Rock, Ark.
• South Platte Renew – Englewood, Colo.

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

• Columbus Water Works – Columbus, Ga.
• Fort Wayne City Utilities – Fort Wayne, Ind.
• Broward County Water and Wastewater Operations - North Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant – Pompano Beach, Fla.

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

• Great Lakes Water Authority – Detroit, Mich.
• Delta Diablo – Antioch, Calif.
• Toho Water Authority – Kissimee, Fla.
• Houston Public Works – Houston, Texas

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

• Clean Water Services – Hillsboro, Ore.

Honorees will be recognized during a ceremony at WEFTEC 2021 in Chicago on October 19.

To learn more, visit https://www.wef.org/utility-of-the-future or contact UtilityRecognition@wef.org.

About WEF
The Water Environment Federation is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization of about 30,000 individual members and 75 affiliated Member Associations representing water quality professionals around the world. Since 1928, WEF and its members have protected public health and the environment. As a global water sector leader, our mission is to connect water professionals, enrich the expertise of water professionals, increase the awareness of the impact and value of water, and provide a platform for water sector innovation. To learn more, visit www.wef.org.

WEF Media Contact: Travis Loop, tloop@wef.org

About NACWA
For nearly 50 years, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) has been the nation’s recognized leader in legislative, regulatory and legal advocacy on the full spectrum of clean water issues. 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: David Zielonka, 202.981.3786, dzielonka@nacwa.org 

About The Water Research Foundation
The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. 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—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

For more information, visit www.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