NEWS RELEASE  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 29, 2015

Water Sector Groups Release Water Resources Utility of the Future Annual Report

Report Gives Update of Utility of the Future Efforts in the Water Sector

Chicago, IL, Sept. 29, 2015 – A partnership of water sector organizations—the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) and WateReuse— today released the Water Resources Utility of the Future 2015 Annual Report. The report was officially released this morning during a special utility executives session at WEFTEC 2015 in Chicago.

Written collaboratively with industry thought leaders, the Annual Report is an update on the water sector’s efforts to transform treatment into full resource recovery that includes sustainable, cost-effective management options that capture valuable and reusable products for society. Since the original Water Resources Utility of the Future (UOTF) efforts began in the summer of 2013, several utilities have successfully implemented new and creative programs to address local watershed-wide challenges. The report includes several notable case studies from across the country.

“Since the UOTF initiative began, utilities like mine have continued to take on broader stewardship roles for their communities and local watersheds. Both the local environment and communities have seen easily measurable benefits from the types of programs and innovations detailed in the report,” said Adel Hagekhalil, NACWA’s President and Assistant Director of City of Los Angeles - LA Sanitation in California.

“Widespread promotion of utilities of the future is a major priority for WEF,” said WEF President Ed McCormick. “This collaboration among water sector organizations to help guide communities toward full resource recovery has put us on the leading edge of a major sea change in the way we manage and sustain our water resources.”

“WERF’s resource recovery research portfolio and the joint WEF-WERF LIFT program are focused on answering the tough questions that have prevented the UOTF from becoming a reality before now,” explains Kevin Shafer, WERF Board Chairman. “It is invigorating to see the progress being made toward becoming the future.”

“This report effectively communicates the transformation of water utilities to full resource recovery centers where everything is reused,” said WateReuse Executive Director Melissa Meeker. “WateReuse is pleased to support and contribute to this important report for the first time, a partnership that will certainly continue.”

The Water Resources Utility of the Future 2015 Annual Report is available here.

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About NACWA
The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) is the leading advocate for responsible national policies that advance clean water. NACWA represents the collective interests of America's clean water utilities nationwide – and their clear commitment to America’s waters. For over 40 years, NACWA has been the clean water community’s voice in Congress, at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies, as well as in the media and in the courts. To learn more about NACWA visit us at www.nacwa.org.

NACWA Media Contact: Robin Davis, 202-533-1802, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

About WEF
Founded in 1928, the Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization of 36,000 individual members and 75 affiliated Member Associations representing water quality professionals around the world. WEF members, Member Associations and staff proudly work to achieve our mission to provide bold leadership, champion innovation, connect water professionals, and leverage knowledge to support clean and safe water worldwide. To learn more, visit www.wef.org.

WEF Media Contact: Lori Harrison, 703-216-8565, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

About WERF
The Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF), a nonprofit organization formed in 1989, is America’s leading independent scientific research organization dedicated to wastewater and stormwater issues. To learn more, visit www.werf.org.

WERF Media Contact: Carrie W. Capuco, 571-384-2097, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

About WateReuse
WateReuse is an international thought-leader on alternative water supply development and the global go-to source for applied research, education, and advocacy on water reuse. Representing a coalition that includes utilities, government agencies, and industry; WateReuse works to educate policymakers and the public on the science, economic value, and environmental benefits of treating water to safely use it for designated purposes, such as irrigation, manufacturing, and drinking. To learn more, visit www.watereuse.org.

WateReuse Media Contact: Zachary Dorsey, 571-445-5503, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it