AMWA's 2009 Gold Awards for Exceptional Utility Performance were presented to:
- Glendale Water and Power
- City of Riverside Public Utilities Department
- City of San Diego Public Utilities Department
Glendale Water and Power’s proactive approach to water quality allows the utility to meet all standards, minimize chemical use and safeguard employee health. The utility evaluates best practices in asset management and uses employee and plant performance measurements to focus resources. Three-year rate increases promote financial integrity, and a $50 million bond issue is funding projects including system-wide meter replacement and advanced metering infrastructure installation. Glendale is also completing a six-year effort to upgrade electrical and mechanical components and has contracted services to geo-locate and remotely operate each valve and fire hydrant in its system.
The City of Riverside Public Utilities Department (RPU) has developed strong local partnerships that create new opportunities in water supply, conservation and watershed management while maximizing regional efficiencies. Stakeholder support keeps RPU on track to becoming “green.” Innovative projects have effectively isolated the utility from the ongoing statewide water crisis, and its recycled water project is expected to produce high quality irrigation water to meet nearly one-third of the system’s total water demand. The city has also implemented an asset management program, which significantly reduces unaccounted for water.
Through programs such as Bid to Goal, the City of San Diego Public Utilities Department continually pursues initiatives that drive optimum performance and improve labor-management relationships by encouraging all employees to work together to achieve shared goals. Environmental stewardship is valued, as evidenced by innovations that both preserve and restore the environment. Product quality is assured through practices and procedures resulting in ISO 14001 certifications in all four of its operations divisions. Consolidation of the business support divisions during FY09 resulted in staff reductions saving $2.7 million, and net savings throughout the water system between 1998 and 2008 totaled $161 million.