Onondaga County Water Authority
2017 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award
Onondaga County Water Authority’s 7G Green Team initiative engages employees in the pursuit of more sustainable practices, building on innovative programs to deliver continuous and measurable results. From sustainable design and construction practices, to collaborative watershed management programs, to cutting-edge unmanned aerial systems used to inspect tanks and monitor surface water quality, the Authority is taking action and tracking key performance indicators to assure it is financially, environmentally and socially sustainable. Particularly meaningful is the historic consolidation with the Metropolitan Water Board to operate, maintain and invest in the entire regional water system under the more independent authority governance structure.
Orange County Utilities
2017 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award
Orange County Utilities’ strategic plan was updated to meet the challenges of the county’s comprehensive community-based sustainability plan called “Our Home for Life.” Two focus areas were emphasized to meet those challenges – development of sustainable alternative water supplies beyond the current ground water sources and cultivating a sustainable workforce while celebrating many well-deserved retirements. The utility worked collaboratively with five other water systems to develop a 20 MGD alternative water source and developed a Skilled Workforce Achievement Program that was initially a utility-only initiative but evolved into a county-wide effort.
DC Water
2016 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award
DC Water has tripled its water main replacement program, supported by changing its water rate structure to create a dedicated $40 million annually. To fund large-scale environmental projects, the utility issued an innovative green century bond in 2014. Its $2.6 billion Clean Rivers Project will significantly reduce the combined sewer overflows and a $470 million waste-to-energy project uses innovative technology to turn residuals from the wastewater treatment process into electricity and a beneficial soil amendment. DC Water’s research teams have provided insights into the effects of galvanized plumbing on lead leaching and leading to advancements in thermal hydrolysis.
Louisville Water Company
2016 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award
Louisville Water Company adopted the Effective Utility Management performance benchmarking framework and also makes use of a 20-year facilities plan, a five-year capital improvement plan, and both five- and ten-year financial projections. Its asset management program is focused on transmission main assessments, lead service replacements, water main and fire hydrant rehabilitation and replacements, and water storage tank inspections and restoration. Its customer outreach with the pure tap program serves tap water at hundreds of events and includes an education and social media campaign, drinking water fountain signage and partnerships with local businesses that serve tap water.
San Diego County Water Authority
2016 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award
San Diego County Water Authority’s sustainability mindset saves ratepayers money, reduces the environmental impacts of projects and operations, conserves energy and water, and helps the agency thrive in a changing climate. A central goal is ensuring that existing and planned facilities are built and operated to minimize effects on the environment and to mitigate any unavoidable impacts. In 2014, the Authority adopted its first Climate Action Plan and completed the San Vicente Dam Raise, a key element of the agency’s long-term strategy for providing sustainable water supplies in dry years. In 2015, the nation’s largest seawater desalination plant started delivering drought-proof water to San Diego County.
The City of San Diego Public Utilities Department
2016 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award
The City of San Diego Public Utilities Department (PUD) maintains numerous award-winning community outreach, education and conservation programs and is proud of its water rate assistance program for low-income residents. The utility has implemented energy and carbon management strategies, including resource recovery, to ensure optimal energy usage, storage and production levels. It is implementing a multi-year Pure Water San Diego Program that uses proven technology to clean recycled wastewater to produce sustainable, high-quality water. Its rate structures utilize industry-recognized rate-making practices to cover cost of services and maintain a balance between long term debt, asset values, O&M expenditures, and revenues and expenses.
Western Virginia Water Authority
2016 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award
Western Virginia Water Authority’s fiscal policy includes a rate structure that provides for reliable daily operations, continued infrastructure replacement and a healthy financial standing to allow it to fund long-term capital projects and reserve accounts. Long-term sustainability also includes protecting current water supplies, planning for future sources and identifying leaks that can lead to non-revenue water. Current water supplies are protected by best management practices and conservation easements while water infrastructure projects are nearing completion to connect to the Authority’s future source of water. Community outreach includes educational programs offered for all school-aged students, recreational opportunities and a close relationship with local economic development organizations.
Austin Water
2015 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award
In the face of historic drought, Austin Water strengthened its conservation programs and drought management plan, and by FY 2014 per capita water use was the lowest in decades.The utility has structured rates and fees to incentivize conservation and address affordability. It has moved to cover more fixed costs; created drought surcharges and a revenue stability reserve fund and surcharge; and instituted operational efficiencies to cut costs. The utility partners with stakeholders to develop policies reflective of community values, and community engagement has never been higher.
Bellevue Utilities
2015 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award
Bellevue Utilities meets its mission using tools including audits, surveys, benchmarking and continuous improvement programs. Performance measures are tracked to gauge effectiveness, efficiency and workload. A financially self-supporting enterprise, it is comprised of four lines of business: drinking water, wastewater, storm and surface water, and solid waste. Each is a stand-alone business that must be financially sustainable. Bellevue Utilities’ long-term commitment to sustainability and environmental protection is demonstrated through successful public education and outreach programs.
Central Arkansas Water
2015 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award
Sustainable utility water management is integral to Central Arkansas Water. The utility has assured rate stability and established dedicated funds for watershed protection. Implementation of a comprehensive watershed management plan involved close collaboration with private property owners and governmental partners and assures a high-quality drinking water supply. The utility also quantified its pipeline replacement needs, increased energy efficiency, implemented recycling programs and removed hazardous materials from sensitive areas.
Charlotte Water
2015 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award
An early managed competition leader, Charlotte Water transitioned into continuous improvement through benchmarking, re-engineering and embracing quality programs.The utility holds corporate ISO environmental and quality certifications, participates in Partnership for Safe Water and has strong, active stakeholder partnerships. Triple A bond ratings by the three major rating agencies underscore the utility’s strength.Revenue stability and predictability, fairness to customers and full cost recovery are the focus of a 10-year financial planning horizon, and increases in the fixed portion of rates improve sustainability.
Chesterfield County Utilities Department
2015 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award
Chesterfield County Utilities Department’s annual performance plan tracks over 100 annual and historic performance measures from virtually every work center. The Department improves its strong financial position through competitive rates that adequately recover costs, while providing for reserves and future needs, thereby maintaining a Triple AAA bond rating and ensuring future stability. Striving to be efficient and environmentally conscious in all aspects of operations, the Department has implemented process improvement initiatives including reducing natural gas consumption, potable water usage and energy/chemical consumption.