The Utility of the Future Today (UotFT) recognition program returns to honor water resource recovery facilities for community engagement, watershed stewardship, and recovery of resources such as water, energy, and nutrients.

The UotFT 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. More than 200 utilities have been recognized since the launch of the program in 2016.

The Utility of the Future Today focus areas:

• Partnering & Engagement
• Energy Efficiency
  
• Energy Generation & Recovery
  
• Nutrient Reduction & Materials Recovery
  
• Water Reuse
  
• Watershed Stewardship
  
• Beneficial Biosolids Reuse

Public and private water sector utilities of all sizes that can demonstrate achievement of the application requirements are encouraged to apply. Applicants must have no major permit violations in the year prior to the submission date of their applications. 

Notification and Presentation of Recognition

Honorees will be notified during the summer and formally recognized during an awards presentation at WEFTEC 2025 in Chicago.

Collaborative Effort

The Utility of the Future Today Recognition Program is a collaborative effort by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), The Water Environment Federation (WEF), the Water Research Foundation (WRF), WateReuse Association, and the the U.S. Water Alliance — with input from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE). 

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