Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance
The Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance recognizes member water systems that exhibit high levels of performance in the areas of community sustainability, customer experience and satisfaction, enterprise resiliency, financial viability, infrastructure strategy and performance, operational optimization, reliability and regulatory requirements, stakeholder understanding and support, water resource sustainability, and workforce development. These are the ten Attributes of Effectively Managed Utilities identified in 2007 by a blue ribbon panel of water and wastewater utility executives and revised in the 2024 Effective Utility Management: A Primer for Water Sector Utilities.
Any AMWA member utility that has never won a Gold Award is eligible to apply for the Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance.
- Example Gold Award-Winning Application
Recent Award Winners
City of San Marcos Utilities
2025 Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance
Serving over 142,000 residents in Central Texas, San Marcos Utilities exemplifies strategic planning and sustainable growth. With a diverse water supply portfolio and a growing reclaimed water network, the utility leads regional efforts in source water protection and watershed-based planning. Its AA bond rating, strong financial policies, and 120 days of cash on hand reflect fiscal strength. Recent investments include a progressive design-build Reclamation Facility, SCADA upgrades, and advanced metering infrastructure. These initiatives support infrastructure resilience, regulatory compliance, and customer transparency to ensure reliable service in one of the nation’s fastest-growing counties.
Gulf Coast Water Authority
2025 Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance
Gulf Coast Water Authority (GCWA), serving Fort Bend, Brazoria, and Galveston counties, earned recognition for its exemplary application of Effective Utility Management (EUM). GCWA integrates EUM principles across operations, from risk-based asset management and data-driven maintenance to transparent financial planning and stakeholder engagement. Its computerized maintenance system and 10-year financial projections support long-term infrastructure stewardship and fiscal accountability. Strategic initiatives in desalination, conservation, and smart infrastructure further demonstrate GCWA’s commitment to sustainable water supply and proactive governance. This approach reflects GCWA’s dedication to continual improvement and alignment with the evolving needs of its regional customers.
Marin Municipal Water District
2025 Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance
Marin Municipal Water District manages over 21,800 acres of watershed land, including Mount Tamalpais, which provides local water and supports a rich, biodiverse ecosystem. Through collaborative land stewardship, the District leads in wildfire resiliency, restoration, and public education. To strengthen infrastructure and drought preparedness, the District launched a phased rate-setting initiative that will more than double Capital Improvement Program investments over the next four years. Nationally recognized by the EPA in 2023 and 2024 for conservation leadership and education, Marin continues to model sustainable water management, community engagement, and environmental protection across the region.
South Coast Water District
2025 Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance
South Coast Water District (SCWD) delivers water, wastewater, and recycled services to South Orange County residents and millions of visitors, while managing the Joint Regional Water Supply System. Recent capital projects include a $100 million sewer tunnel rehabilitation and a reservoir expansion to boost fire flow. SCWD’s Integrated Water Resources Plan, which features desalination, groundwater recovery, and recycled water, will cut imported water reliance from 73 to 26 percent by 2035. With AMI meters, real-time leak alerts, and a 23-second average phone response time, SCWD prioritizes customer experience. Its AA+ credit rating, cybersecurity leadership, and $200 million in secured funding reflect operational excellence and community commitment.
City of Thornton Infrastructure Department
2024 Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance
The City of Thornton Infrastructure Department prioritizes water efficiency through programs that promote responsible resource use while maintaining a high-quality urban environment. These initiatives have led to one of the lowest residential daily water consumption rates on Colorado's Front Range. As a leader in addressing PFAS risks, Thornton maintains transparency about drinking water safety and actively implements strategies to meet new regulations. The Advanced Metering Infrastructure and Residential Meter Conversion Project aims to save about 2,100 acre-feet of water annually by improving leak detection and efficiency. The $500 million Thornton Water Project also exemplifies collaboration to ensure sustainable, high-quality water for future growth.
Des Moines Water Works
2024 Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance
Des Moines Water Works (DMWW), Iowa's largest drinking water utility, serves 600,000 customers and is leading the creation of a 12-member regional governance entity to manage Central Iowa’s water infrastructure. To minimize water loss, DMWW conducts annual leak surveys and has introduced an inclining block rate structure to address affordability. As the first U.S. water utility certified to ISO 50001 for Energy Management, DMWW demonstrates its commitment to environmental stewardship through energy management and regular audits. Its watershed protection efforts involve partnerships to enhance water quality and educational initiatives, including farmer boot camps and tours showcasing its nitrate removal processes.
Fayetteville Public Works Commission
2024 Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance
Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC) prioritizes cutting-edge water treatment technology and practices to provide safe, reliable drinking water. With an innovative approach to managing water reserves, PWC promotes sustainability and community well-being while exemplifying operational excellence and environmental stewardship. As a charter member of the Partnership for Safe Water, PWC has earned the Director’s Award for 24 consecutive years, recognizing its commitment to exceeding regulatory standards. The utility advocates for the reduction of industrial pollution and PFAS discharge in the Cape Fear River basin, ensuring clean drinking water and hosting the EPA's announcement of new national drinking water standards.
Huntsville Utilities
2024 Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance
Huntsville Utilities (HU) has established itself as a leader in water operations, earning accolades such as Best Operated Plant and Best Operated Groundwater Plant from the Alabama Water and Pollution Control Association in 2023. Serving over 100,000 customers, HU exceeds regulatory standards through its participation in the Partnership for Safe Water program. Guided by its mission, vision, and values, the utility emphasizes ethical conduct and continuous improvement, achieving a 99 percent customer billing accuracy rate. HU promotes diversity and inclusion with flexible policies and mentorship programs while prioritizing employee wellness and sustainability, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence and community resilience.
Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority
2024 Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance
The Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority (PWSA) is committed to safeguarding community health and the environment through reliable water delivery services. Its annual Water Quality Reports consistently demonstrate compliance with federal and state regulations. To enhance system reliability, PWSA is executing its Water Reliability Plan, which includes transformative projects to modernize the water system. The Authority's lead service line replacement efforts are recognized for prioritizing at-risk populations, providing free replacements to those most in need. PWSA actively seeks external funding to support critical projects and promotes community engagement through innovative assistance programs, helping customers secure over $2.1 million in aid.
Howard County Department of Public Works Bureau of Utilities
2023 Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance
Howard County Department of Public Works (DPW), Bureau of Utilities has made significant strides in infrastructure and utility management, setting the stage for the next thirty years. They have developed hydraulic models for water distribution and sewerage collection systems, aiding in the identification and resolution of system deficiencies and the planning of future expansion. They have also conducted condition assessments of critical pipelines to identify areas at risk for corrosion, prompting rehabilitation and renewal efforts.
Passaic Valley Water Commission
2023 Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance
The Passaic Valley Water Commission (PVWC) has been serving Northeast New Jersey since 1849 and is committed to continuous improvement and innovation in water treatment. They actively engage in construction and maintenance, replacing water lines, valves, hydrants, and inefficient equipment. PVWC's "Knock out the Lead" program aims to replace all lead lines by 2025, ahead of state mandates. Their strategic plan involves streamlining processes, cross-training staff, enhancing customer service operations, and preparing for climate change and power outages with the installation of emergency generators.
Toho Water Authority
2023 Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance
Toho Water Authority has efficiently managed its growing customer base and aging infrastructure through a cost-effective asset management program over the past two decades. They prioritize water resource management through regional partnerships and, in October 2022, merged with St. Cloud Utilities to enhance water service resiliency, particularly during severe weather events. Toho also emphasizes customer service through initiatives like "Toho Cares," focusing on team and customer satisfaction, staff training, communication, and benchmarking.