The Utility of the Future Today programme has recognised 47 water utilities that are benefitting communities through future-focused programmes. The 2023 honourees will be recognised in-person at WEFTEC 2023, the Water Environment Federation (WEF) annual technical conference, on 3 Oct 2023 in Chicago, Illinois, US.
“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,” said Todd Swingle, CEO and executive director of the Toho Water Authority, which has been honoured six times by the programme.
He added that the Utility of the Future Today programme helped mark their progress in meeting the changing needs of the communities that prioritised 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 programme recognises 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 WEF, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the Water Research Foundation (WRF), the WateReuse Association, and the US Water Alliance. The programme is supported by advisory partners, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Energy (DOE).
This year’s honourees include 9 utilities that are recognised for the first time and 38 previous honourees for excellence in new activity areas.
