This morning, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake was presented with the 2012 Environmental Achievement Award, a special recognition award for leadership and advocacy to improve access to clean water from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). NACWA represents stakeholders from across the nation to promote effective and efficient methods of providing clean water to customers. The organization represents nearly 300 municipalities nationwide.

NACWA Executive Director Ken Kirk presented the Mayor with the award in City Hall at an event attended by DPW Director Alfred Foxx, Bureau of Water and Wastewater Head Rudy Chow, NACWA members and officials, and a host of City employees.

“I am honored to accept this on behalf of Director Foxx, and the men and women in the Department of Public Works who operate and maintain our water utility,” said Mayor Rawlings-Blake. “We are proud to deliver some of the best-tasting drinking water in the country. Our administration is more determined than ever to make sure we remain in the top tier of great water systems.”

For decades, the Baltimore Department of Public Works has produced some of the best drinking water in the country, and recently won first place in a regional Water Taste Challenge. The City is currently in the midst of a multi-year capital improvement program to replace aging water mains, as well as modernize its water metering and billing system. Baltimore is also educating citizens—especially young people—on the value of preserving the regional water resources.

Another recipient of this year’s award is Mayor Jennifer Hosterman of Pleasanton, California. Mayor Rawlings-Blake and Mayor Hosterman serve as co-Chairs on the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Water Council, a group dedicated to assisting local governments in providing high quality water resources in a cost effective manner.