Washington, D.C. – The Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) will honor 12 public drinking water systems with its top utility management awards on October 21 during its awards luncheon at the 2024 Executive Management Conference in Miami, Florida. This year, AMWA will present one system with the Environmental Justice and Equity Utility Management Award, seven systems with the Sustainable Water Utility Management Award, and five systems with the Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance.
The Environmental Justice and Equity Utility Management Award recognizes utilities that have effectively addressed historic inequities and barriers in their communities by integrating equity and civic engagement as foundational elements for creating equitable and sustainable water systems. The Sustainable Water Utility Management Award recognizes water utilities committed to achieving a balance of innovative and successful efforts in economic, social, and environmental areas. The Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance Award recognizes outstanding achievements in implementing the nationally recognized Attributes of Effective Utility Management.
The 2024 Environmental Justice and Equity Utility Management Award winner is:
- Knoxville Utilities Board
The 2024 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award winners are:
- Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority
- Chesterfield County Utilities
- Greenville Water
- Knoxville Utilities Board
- Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department
- Phoenix Water Services
- WaterOne
The 2024 Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance Award winners are:
- City of Thornton Infrastructure Department
- Des Moines Water Works
- Fayetteville Public Works Commission
- Huntsville Utilities
- Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority
"I would like to congratulate this year’s award recipients for their remarkable commitment to delivering safe, top-quality drinking water to their communities," said AMWA CEO Tom Dobbins, CAE. "Earning an AMWA award is a testament to their outstanding leadership in managing water utilities, ensuring affordability, and promoting environmental sustainability, all while advancing environmental justice and equitable access to clean water for all."
Environmental Justice and Equity Utility Management Award
Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion, integrating these values alongside environmental justice (EJ) principles into its operations for 468,000 customers. KUB has established pillars to enhance its EJ initiatives, including community engagement through partnerships and outreach, delivering high-quality services tailored to individual needs, and supporting Minority and Women Business Enterprises. The utility also focuses on employee satisfaction, growth, and retention while building a diverse workforce. This commitment to equity ensures that KUB serves all community members fairly while promoting a sustainable future.
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.
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 (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 (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 (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 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 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.
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 (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 (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 (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.
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.
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For over 40 years, the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies has been the nation's unified and definitive voice for the nation's largest publicly owned drinking water systems on legislative, regulatory, security, sustainability, and utility management issues.
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