Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Rudy S. Chow, P.E., announced that DPW has been recognized as a “Utility of the Future Today” by the Utility of the Future (UOTF) Recognition Program.  The program celebrates the progress and exceptional performance of the nation’s wastewater utilities. 

To obtain this recognition, utilities must demonstrate consistent, robust, and active engagement in areas that include: water reuse; watershed stewardship; beneficial biosolids reuse; community partnering and engagement; energy efficiency; energy generation and recovery; and nutrient and materials recovery. 

Utility of the Future Today is a joint recognition program for public and private wastewater utilities. It was launched in April 2016 by the Water Environment Federation (WEF), Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF), National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), and WateReuse, with support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Director Chow said, “I am proud to receive this recognition. The Utility of the Future focuses on our wastewater utility, but includes contributions from our Office of Sustainable Energy, our Office of Strategy and Performance, and even our Recycling program.” 

In launching this inaugural UOTF program, WEF Executive Director Eileen O’Neill stated, “We are excited about this new opportunity to recognize the achievements of small, medium, and large forward-thinking utilities that are providing sustainable, efficient, and value-added service to communities nationwide.”

DPW is among the first to receive the “Utility of the Future Today” recognition.  Others include D.C. Water and Sewer Authority, Alexandria Renew Enterprises, and City of San Diego Public Utilities.  “Selection by utility leaders and water professionals - our peers - for this recognition is an honor,” said Director Chow. “It is validation that we are on the right track and moving rapidly toward the future.”

Program honorees will be recognized during an awards ceremony at WEFTEC 2016, the WEF’s Annual Technical Exhibition and Conference, the largest meeting of its kind for water quality professionals in North America.  WEFTEC will be held September 24-28 in New Orleans.

The UOTF concept guides utilities toward smarter, more efficient operations, a progression to full resource recovery and enhanced productivity, sustainability, and resiliency. Since its inception, many utilities have successfully implemented new and creative programs to address technical and community challenges regarding wastewater treatment.