The Utility of the Future Today program is pleased to recognize 47 water utilities that are benefiting their communities and inspiring the water sector through innovative, future-focused, transformational programs. The 2023 honorees will be recognized in person at WEFTEC 2023, the Water Environment Federation’s annual technical conference, on Tuesday, October 3, from 1:00-3:15 p.m. CT, in Chicago, IL.

“Of all the challenges faced by our cities and the environment, water is at the top of the list for many communities. Water utilities are the front line in tackling these challenges,” says Todd Swingle, CEO and Executive Director of the Toho Water Authority, which has been honored six times by the program.

He adds: “The Utility of the Future Today program helps us mark our progress in meeting the changing needs of the communities we serve as we deliver on a sustainable future that prioritizes resilience through a strategy of resource conservation and recovery.”

Launched in 2016 and judged by a panel of experts made up of utility professionals, general managers, and water experts, the Utility of the Future Today program recognizes water utilities that are reimagining community partnership and engagement, watershed stewardship, and recovery of resources such as water, energy, and nutrients.

Utility of the Future Today is a partnership of the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the Water Research Foundation (WRF), the WateReuse Association, and the U.S. Water Alliance. The program is supported by advisory partners, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). 

This year’s honorees include 9 utilities that are being recognized for the first time and 38 previous honorees that are being recognized for excellence in new activity areas.

First Time Honorees

Previous Honorees Recognized in a New Area of Activity in 2023

To learn more, visit wef.org/utility-of-the-future or email UtilityRecognition@wef.org

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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