The Utility of the Future Today (UOTF) program, launched by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the Water Research Foundation (WRF), and WateReuse, recognized 32 water utilities for their community engagement, watershed stewardship, and recovery of resources such as water, energy, and nutrients. The UOTF framework provides a model for utilities to achieve more efficient operations and achieve long-term sustainability.
"WRF and partners are thrilled to continue supporting utilities that are using innovation to better serve their communities," says WRF CEO Rob Renner.
The following utilities are being recognized for the first time:
• Beckley Sanitary Board (West Virginia)
• Benton Harbor St. Joseph Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant (Michigan)
• Carroll County Water Resources Coordination Council (Maryland)
• City of Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (Michigan)
• City of Grandville Clean Water Plant (Michigan)
• City of Tallahassee (Florida)
• City of Wooster (Ohio)
• Delta Diablo (Ohio)
• Evesham Municipal Utilities Authority (New Jersey)
• Fort Wayne City Utilities (Indiana)
• Great Lakes Water Authority (Michigan)
• Houston Water (Texas)
• Kenosha Water Utility (Wisconsin)
• Lafayette Renew (Indiana)
• Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
• Metro Wastewater Reclamation District (Colorado)
• Napa Sanitation District (California)
• Queensland Urban Utilities (Australia)
• Region of Waterloo (Canada)
• Renewable Water Resources (South Carolina)
• Spokane County Environmental Services (Washington)
• Toho Water Authority (Florida)
• Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (Maryland)
• Water Environment Services (Oregon)
• Western Monmouth Utilities Authority (New Jersey)
• Western Virginia Water Authority (Virginia)
These utilities are being recognized for a second year but for a new area of performance:
• Charlotte Water (North Carolina)
• Clean Water Services (Oregon)
• Columbus Water Works (Georgia)
• St. Cloud Public Utilities (Minnesota)
These utilities are being recognized for a third year and in a new area of performance:
• City of Fayetteville (Arkansas)
• DC Water (District of Columbia)
Honorees will be recognized at an awards ceremony during WEF's 91st Annual Technical Exhibition & Conference (WEFTEC) this October in New Orleans.