Applications Open for Utility of the Future Today Recognition Program

Applications Open for Utility of the Future Today Recognition Program
 
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The Utility of the Future Today recognition program returns for a third year to honor water resource recovery facilities for community engagement, watershed stewardship, and recovery of resources such as water, energy, and nutrients.
 
The deadline to apply for recognition this year is May 30.
 
The Utility of the Future concept is being promoted as the nation’s water systems transform operations through innovation and technology. The Utility of the Future is a model for utilities of all sizes to achieve more efficient operations, enhanced productivity, and long-term sustainability.
 
“It is inspiring to see the many ways utilities are using innovation to approach and respond to the challenges they face,” said WEF Executive Director Eileen O’Neill. “WEF and the other partners are proud to continue supporting and celebrating those utilities that are improving the way they serve their communities.”  
 
The Utility of the Future activity areas focus on the key building blocks of this transformation:
• recovery and new uses of a range of resources;
• engagement as a leader in the full water cycle and broader social, economic, and environmental sustainability of the community;
• engagement in the community and formation of partnerships necessary for success when operating outside of the traditional span of the utility; and
• transformation of the internal utility culture in support of these innovations.
 
Public and private water sector utilities of all sizes that can demonstrate achievement of the application requirements are encouraged to apply by 5 p.m. EDT, May 30. Applicants must have no major permit violations in the year prior to the submission date of their applications. 
 
Honorees will be notified during the summer and formally recognized during an awards ceremony at WEFTEC 2018—WEF’s 91st annual technical exhibition and conference—this October in New Orleans.
 
Two webinars are scheduled for utilities wishing to learn more about the program and the application process. The webinars are scheduled from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on April 5 and repeated on April 25. Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/4143876095883522817
 
Since the Utility of the Future concept was introduced in 2013, many utilities have successfully implemented new and creative programs to address local wastewater technical and community challenges. The recognition program was launched in 2016 by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the Water Research Foundation, and the WateReuse Association —with input from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). More than 80 utilities have been recognized by the partnership.
 
To learn more, visit https://www.wef.org/utility-of-the-future/ or contact UtilityRecognition@wef.org.  
###
 
About WEF
The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization of 34,000 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. 
 
About NACWA
For nearly five decades, 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, and is a top technical resource in water quality, water management and sustainable ecosystem protection. Our vision is to represent every utility as a member, helping to build a strong and sustainable clean water future. To learn more about NACWA visit us at www.nacwa.org.
 
NACWA Media Contact: Tony Viardo, 202.533.1810, tviardo@nacwa.org   
 
The Water Research Foundation
The Water Research Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization officially formed in January 2018 after the merger of the Water Environment & Reuse Foundation and Water Research Foundation. The merged Foundation is the leading water research organization, funding research, pilot projects, and technology demonstrations that maximize the value of all water, including wastewater, stormwater, drinking water, and recycled water. Learn more at www.werf.org or www.waterrf.org. 
 
WERF Media Contact: Carrie W. Capuco, 571.384.2097, ccapuco@werf.org 
 
About WateReuse
The WateReuse Association is the nation’s only trade association solely dedicated to advancing laws, policy, funding, and public acceptance of recycled water. WateReuse represents a coalition of utilities that recycle water, businesses that support the development of recycled water projects, and consumers of recycled water. Serving more than 60 million people, one-fifth of the nation’s population, WateReuse members are developing safe, reliable, locally controlled water supplies. To learn more, visit www.watereuse.org. 
 
WateReuse Media Contact: Zachary Dorsey, 571.445.5503, zdorsey@watereuse.org 
 


SPONSORS