The Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies honored 11 public drinking water systems with its prestigious utility management awards Oct. 27 during its awards luncheon at the 2025 Executive Management Conference in Austin, Texas.
This year, AMWA presented five systems with the Sustainable Water Utility Management Award, two systems with the Platinum Award for Utility Excellence, and four systems with the Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance. AMWA also presented the 2025 Donald R. Boyd Award to Dr. Manny Teodoro, professor at the La Follette School of Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and the 2025 President's Award to Angela Licata-Misiak, deputy commissioner for sustainability at the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.
The Sustainable Water Utility Management Award recognizes water systems committed to achieving a balance of innovative and successful efforts in economic, social and environmental areas. The Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance and the Platinum Award for Utility Excellence recognize outstanding achievements in implementing the nationally recognized attributes of effective utility management.
The 2025 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award winners are Austin Water; Fort Wayne City Utilities; OCWA, Central New York's water authority; and Orange County Water District Valley Water.
The 2025 Platinum Award for Utility Excellence winners are Cape Fear Public Utility Authority; and Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority.
The 2025 Gold Award for Utility Exceptional Utility Performance winners are City of San Marcos Utilities; Gulf Coast Water Authority; Marin Municipal Water District; and South Coast Water District.
"Congratulations to this year's award winners for their commitment to delivering safe, high-quality drinking water to their communities," says AMWA CEO Tom Dobbins. "Earning an AMWA award is a testament to the outstanding leadership in managing water utilities, serving workforces, and promoting sustainability, while advancing affordable access to clean water for all."
To learn more about these award-winning projects, access the 2025 AMWA Awards Booklet.
Donald R. Boyd Award
Dr. Teodoro's work has reshaped how the water sector approaches affordability, transparency and governance. His development of the Affordability Ratio has equipped utilities with a practical, equity-centered framework for evaluating rate structures and building public trust. Through initiatives like the Wisconsin Waterworks Excellence Project, Teodoro has made utility performance data more accessible and actionable, empowering communities and utilities alike to engage in transparent, accountable service delivery.
"Dr. Teodoro's scholarship doesn't just live in journals or classrooms, it lives in water systems, boardrooms, council chambers and community conversations," says Dobbins. "He has given our sector tools to lead with integrity and communicate with clarity. His work helps utilities measure success and share it in ways that builds trust and drives progress."
Dr. Teodoro's influence spans performance-based regulations, utility management and public engagement. By bridging academic insight with utility practice, he continues to shape national conversations around fairness, accountability and the future of water service delivery.
President's Award
Licata-Misiak was awarded in recognition of her exceptional leadership and enduring contributions to AMWA and the water sector. A longtime member of AMWA's board of directors and a recent past president, Licata-Misiak helped shape the association's strategic direction during a time of significant transition. Her presidency was marked by clarity, resilience and a deep commitment to aligning member priorities by strengthening AMWA's voice on national policy and expanding its reach across the sector, according to Dobbins
"Angela brings a rare blend of strategic insight and steady stewardship," he says. "She leads with conviction, listens with care and always centers the public good. Her impact on AMWA and the broader water community is both profound and lasting."
At the New York City DEP, Licata-Misiak championed sustainability, affordability and climate resilience, positioning the utility as a national model for integrating environmental priorities into long-term planning. Her expertise continues to guide AMWA's work through active service on key committees and working groups.
