WEF is pleased to recognize this year’s outstanding municipal stormwater programs. Their innovative solutions, collaboration, and commitment to protecting water resources are truly inspiring.
Established in 2015 through a cooperative agreement between WEF and EPA, the National Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Recognition for Stormwater Excellence recognizes high-performing communities that meet and exceed regulatory requirements in technically effective and financially efficient ways.
Presented at WEFTEC, this recognition celebrates Phase I and Phase II Municipal MS4 programs that go above and beyond minimum permit requirements, and WEF is thrilled to celebrate them.
About MS4s
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) as a publicly owned conveyance or system of conveyances designed to collect or convey stormwater runoff and discharge it to waters of the United States. MS4s are regulated under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. EPA’s Phase I regulations apply to medium and large cities and certain counties with populations of 100,000 or more, while Phase II regulations apply to small MS4s in designated urban areas, MS4s designated by the permitting authority, and certain nontraditional public entities, including universities, departments of transportation, hospitals, and prisons.
Phase I Recipients
Management and Innovation Recognition
Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works, Bureau of Watershed Protection and Restoration (Maryland)
Anne Arundel County was recognized for its comprehensive approach to watershed restoration, innovative funding strategies, nutrient trading initiatives, and community stewardship programs. Its work has produced measurable environmental achievements and reflects a sustained commitment to clean water, stormwater management, and watershed restoration.
Management Recognition
Louisville and Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District (Louisville MSD), Kentucky
Louisville MSD was recognized for excellence in stormwater program administration, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, monitoring, and continuous improvement. As Kentucky’s largest Phase I MS4 permit holder, the organization has worked to protect water quality while strengthening organizational effectiveness and regulatory compliance.
Innovation Recognition
City of Anaheim, California
The City of Anaheim was recognized for its stormwater credit trading program, an innovative funding mechanism designed to improve water quality, reduce flooding, enhance groundwater recharge, and support future stormwater infrastructure investments.
Phase II Recipients
Program Management and Innovation Recognition
Municipal Alliance for Adaptive Management (MAAM), New Hampshire
MAAM was recognized for its collaborative adaptive management approach to watershed protection. By bringing together municipalities, regulators, researchers, and stakeholders, MAAM has developed a science-based framework for improving water quality and achieving nutrient reductions within the Great Bay Estuary.
Program Management Recognition
Town of Westwood, Massachusetts
The Town of Westwood was recognized for excellence in stormwater program implementation, including comprehensive asset management, compliance oversight, infrastructure assessment, and strategic planning that support long-term watershed protection and environmental stewardship.
Innovation Recognition
Capitol Region Watershed District, Minnesota
Capitol Region Watershed District was recognized for innovative stormwater infrastructure management through its Facility Management Program and Permitted Sites Maintenance Program. These efforts improve long-term best management practice performance and provide scalable approaches that strengthen maintenance, accountability, and water resource protection throughout the region.
The hard work and dedication of all 2026 recipients is delivering real progress for water quality, watershed health, and stormwater infrastructure across the United States. We can’t wait to see what comes next from these innovative utility providers leading the way towards progress.
To learn more about stormwater management and the MS4 program, review WEF’s Stormwater & Watershed Management resources and the latest U.S. MS4 Needs Assessment Survey results.
Contact: Trinity Foreman, WEF Director, Communications, tforeman@wef.org