Sustainable Water Utility Management Award
AMWA’s Sustainable Water Utility Management Award, introduced in 2014, recognizes member utilities that have made a commitment to sustainable management. There are many opportunities available to water utilities to manage sustainably; each water system has its own water resource needs, infrastructure issues, financial position, political issues, energy costs, and other challenges.
This award views sustainability through a triple bottom line lens. Winners will have achieved a balance of innovative and successful efforts in areas of economic, social, and environmental endeavors, such as responsible management of resources, protection of public health, meeting responsibilities to the community, and providing cost-effective services to ratepayers.
The Sustainability Award is the third step in AMWA’s awards programs and is the only one of these awards that can be earned more than once. Member utilities can apply for their first Sustainability Award three years or more after winning a Platinum Award. After winning a Sustainability Award, they are eligible to apply for the award again when three years or more have elapsed.
Recent Award Winners
Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Authority
2024 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award
The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Authority (ABCWUA) prioritizes sustainability in response to water scarcity in the desert Southwest. Its 100-year water management plan, WATER 2120, outlines essential investments for a resilient water supply, focusing on aquifer storage and indirect potable reuse while addressing climate change and drought. ABCWUA has achieved a 50 percent reduction in per capita water use over the past three decades through its conservation program. Additional achievements include increasing reliance on renewable energy for operations, implementing a Comprehensive Asset Management Plan, enhancing workforce skills and satisfaction, and supporting species recovery and watershed protection.
Chesterfield County Utilities Department
2024 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award
The Chesterfield County Utilities Department has maintained its commitment to sustainable water utility management since receiving its second AMWA Sustainable Award in 2019. The utility has focused on enhancing infrastructure to support its growing customer base and implement sustainable water treatment methods. Through an annual performance plan with defined goals and key metrics, staff deliver high-quality water and wastewater services that meet customer expectations. Technological advancements, such as predictive analytics for asset replacement and improvements related to the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule, further enhance service delivery. These efforts reflect the department's dedication to financial management, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility.
Greenville Water
2024 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award
Greenville Water (GW) in South Carolina has proven a strong commitment to sustainability since earning its first Sustainable Award in 2020. The utility improved energy efficiency with a 10 percent flow increase while maintaining energy balance, upgraded to fuel-efficient vehicles, and implemented recycling and paperless initiatives. GW's conservation easement with The Nature Conservancy protects 30,000 acres of watershed, ensuring pristine water quality. With a AAA bond rating, a solid cash reserve, and no planned rate adjustments for five years, GW supports the community through payment assistance, donations, and employee volunteer programs, actively engaging in educational initiatives.
Knoxville Utilities Board
2024 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award
Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) is committed to providing high-quality water, wastewater treatment, electric, natural gas, and fiber internet services while preparing for the future. Its Century II Infrastructure Management Program ensures sustainable lifecycle maintenance and equitable cost-sharing for current and future customers. KUB’s advanced Water Quality Laboratory conducts over 100,000 tests annually, exceeding regulatory requirements to ensure excellent water quality. The utility promotes environmental sustainability through community partnerships and initiatives, participates in the City of Knoxville Mayor’s Climate Council, and enhances energy and water savings assistance programs. KUB’s strong financial management supports its sustainability initiatives within an approved budget.
Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department
2024 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award
Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department (PBCWUD) has distinguished itself as the first water utility in North America to achieve ISO 55000 certification, underlining its commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and stakeholder engagement. This certification ensures optimal asset lifecycle management, enhancing service reliability and minimizing environmental impacts. PBCWUD also maintains consistent triple A bond ratings, reflecting financial prudence and enabling investment in critical infrastructure and innovative projects. Executive leadership fosters a culture of continuous improvement, exemplified by the Green Cay Phase 2 Project, Florida's first water reuse initiative. PBCWUD's integrated strategy positions the utility as a leader in sustainable water resource management.
Phoenix Water Services
2024 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award
Phoenix Water Services delivers high-quality drinking water while prioritizing equity and affordability. Committed to a 100-year water supply goal by 2050, the utility has implemented ongoing improvements since winning a Sustainable Award in 2019. Maintaining AAA bond ratings, Phoenix Water plans to invest approximately $3.8 billion over the next five years in critical water and wastewater infrastructure. The utility also promotes environmental stewardship through initiatives like the Advanced Water Purification project and the Drought Pipeline Project. Conservation efforts, such as the turf removal program, and social responsibility initiatives, including the Mayor's Save Water Pledge, emphasize its dedication to sustainability and community engagement.
WaterOne
2024 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award
WaterOne has shown ongoing improvement since winning the Sustainable Water Utility Management Award in 2019, focusing on a triple bottom line approach to sustainability. Its financial stability is reflected in a reaffirmed AAA Bond Rating and an increase in rate stabilization reserves from $11 million in 2019 to $17 million in 2024. WaterOne has enhanced equity and affordability through updated rate structures and financial indicators. Committed to environmental stewardship, the utility adopted electric vehicles, implemented advanced water treatment, and joined The Climate Registry in 2021 to monitor greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, initiatives like the Citizen’s Water Academy and a diversity framework underscore its social responsibility efforts.
Atlanta Department of Watershed Management
2023 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award
The Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (DWM) has achieved fiscal strength and invested in crucial capital projects since receiving the Sustainable Water Utility Management Award in 2017. They prioritize financial resilience by managing utility costs and balancing long-term debt, asset value, revenues, and expenses, resulting in stable rates. Their sound fiscal practices led to an upgrade in the Fitch credit rating to AA in November 2021. DWM is also focusing on green infrastructure to address flooding and water quality issues while adapting to rapid growth and climate change.
Beaver Water District
2023 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award
Beaver Water District (BWD) is a model of sustainable water utility management, emphasizing excellence in daily operations. Their Source Water Protection efforts involve dedicated funds to reduce sediment and nutrient loading in Beaver Lake, and they also employ various eco-friendly practices, including oil analysis, LED lighting, and recycling. Stakeholder engagement is vital, with educational programs and a Crisis Communication Plan that fosters trust within their community.
Birmingham Water Works
2023 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award
Birmingham Water Works (BWW), Alabama's largest water utility, serves 770,000 people in a geographically complex service area. Their 2022-2026 Strategic Plan emphasizes sustainability through financial stability, infrastructure integrity, and environmental stewardship. They focus on maintaining competitive water rates and effective communication with the public and stakeholders to ensure a sustainable and healthy future.
Contra Costa Water District
2023 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award
Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) in California, following their 2020 AMWA Sustainability Award win, remains committed to sustainable water management, financial responsibility, and exceptional customer service. Their comprehensive infrastructure plans, with a forward-looking perspective of up to fifty years, address customer needs. They also play a leadership role in preserving Delta water quality and regional water supply reliability. CCWD employs long-term and near-term strategies to manage water supplies efficiently, treating water in state-of-the-art plants to meet public health requirements.
Mesa Water Resources Department
2023 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award
Mesa Water Resources Department is a forward-thinking utility committed to effective water management. The department has significantly reduced its reliance on non-renewable groundwater supplies and achieves 100 percent reuse of reclaimed water, contributing to resource conservation. The city's Climate Action Plan leads to strategic investments in water infrastructure, including smart meters for real-time water use monitoring, promoting conservation, and the installation of green infrastructure. The utility also builds trust within the community through educational efforts like the "Know Your H2O" program.