The Utility of the Future Today Recognition Program is returning for a second year to honor utilities implementing the Utility of the Future business model.

The program seeks to promote and recognize utilities that are building on a foundation of excellent management and help small, medium and large utilities transform their operations over time.

Public and private utilities of all sizes may apply by June 9. Applicants must have no major permit violations in the year prior to the submission date of their applications.

Honorees will be notified by July 28 and formally recognized during an awards ceremony at the Water Environment Federation's 90^th annual technical exhibition and conference (WEFTEC) being held this October in Chicago.

Since the Utility of the Future concept was introduced in 2013, many utilities have successfully implemented new and creative programs to address local wastewater challenges. The recognition program was launched last year by four water sector organizations: the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the Water Environment Federation, the Water Environment & Research Foundation and WateReuse. There was also input from the U.S. EPA. The recognition program’s first 61 honorees were featured during WEFTEC 2016 in New Orleans. 

The Utility of the Future activity areas focus on the following key building blocks of this transformation:

• recovery and new uses of a full range of resources;
• engagement as a leader in the full water cycle and broader social, economic and environmental sustainability of the community;
• transformation of the internal utility culture in support of these innovations; and
• engagement in the community and formation of partnerships necessary for success when operating outside of the traditional span of control of the utility.

To learn more, email UtilityRecognition@wef.org. There are also two upcoming webinars about the program and application process on April 12 and May 3.