The forward-thinking initiatives of 41 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.
“This honor reflects forward-thinking innovation, sustainability, and community leadership. Thank you for strengthening the water sector and helping build resilience today and for the future,” said Howard Carter, President of WEF’s Board of Trustees.
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. The utilities will be honored during a ceremony on September 30th at WEFTEC in Chicago.
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 |
| Baguio Water District (Baguio City, Phillipines) | Watershed Stewardship |
| Bonita Springs Utilities, Inc. | Partnering & Engagement |
| City of Beverly Hills | Watershed Stewardship |
| City of Columbus, Department of Public Utilities, Div. of Sewerage and Drainage, Biosolids Program | Beneficial Biosolids Use |
| City of Henderson – Department of Utility Services | Partnering & Engagement |
| City of Redding Wastewater Utility | Beneficial Biosolids Use |
| Dallas Water Utilities | Energy Generation & Recovery |
| Dublin San Ramon Services District | Water Reuse |
| East Valley Water District | Water Reuse |
| Easton Utilities | Energy Generation & Recovery |
| El Paso Water | Energy Efficiency |
| Fort Pierce Utilities Authority | Water Reuse |
| Henrico Water – Department of Public Utilities | Watershed Stewardship |
| Inland Empire Utilities Agency | Beneficial Biosolids Use |
| Magnolia Water | Partnering & Engagement |
| Region of Peel Water & Wastewater (Ontario, Canada) | Partnering & Engagement |
| Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority | Energy Generation & Recovery |
Previous Honorees Recognized a New Area of Activity in 2024
| Utility | Area of Activity |
| Central Arkansas Water | Watershed Stewardship |
| Village of Wellington | Nutrient Reduction & Materials Recovery |
| City of Surprise | Partnering & Engagement |
| Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission | Partnering & Engagement |
| Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District | Partnering & Engagement |
| North Davis Sewer District | Water Reuse |
| City of Tucson Water Department | Partnering & Engagement |
| Clean Water Services | Partnering & Engagement |
| Charlotte Water | Partnering & Engagement |
| Knoxville Utilities Board | Beneficial Biosolids Use |
| LOTT Clean Water Alliance | Partnering & Engagement |
| Sacramento Area Sewer District | Watershed Stewardship |
| The Trinity River Authority of Texas | Watershed Stewardship |
| Monterey One Water | Partnering & Engagement |
| City of St. Cloud Public Utilities | Watershed Stewardship |
| Loudoun Water | Watershed Stewardship |
| Toho Water Authority | Water Reuse |
| Broward County Water and Wastewater Operations – North Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant | Beneficial Biosolids Use |
| City of Pompano Beach Utilities Department | Water Reuse |
| Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (Central San) | Nutrient Reduction & Materials Recovery |
| Pittsburgh Water | Partnering & Engagement |
| Holland Board of Public Works (Holland Area Water Reclamation Facility) | Beneficial Biosolids Use |
| AlexRenew | Partnering & Engagement |
| Town of Jupiter Utilities | Energy Efficiency |
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: Christy Murphy, cmmurphy@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.