The 2017 WateReuse California Awards were recently presented to recycled water facilities, customers and advocates that are leaders in creating sustainable, locally controlled water supplies across the state. The awards ceremony was held in conjunction with the Annual California Conference in San Diego, CA. “These deserving winners are great examples of why California leads the nation in recycled water innovation,” said WateReuse California Managing Director Jennifer West. The following awards were presented:
- Recycled Water Agency of the Year – Small: City of American Canyon
- Recycled Water Agency of the Year – Medium: Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Helix Water District, City of El Cajon and County of San Diego (East County Advanced Water Purification Program)
- Recycled Water Agency of the Year – Large: Eastern Municipal Water District
- Recycled Water Community Outreach and Public Education Program of the Year: Pure Water Monterey
- Recycled Water Customers of the Year: City of Dublin, Lake Mission Viejo Association, Rose Hills Memorial Park
- Recycled Water Staff Persons of the Year: Brent Eidson, City of San Diego Public Utilities Department; Roshanak Aflaki, City of Los Angeles, LA Sanitation
- Recycled Water Advocate of the Year: Patricia Tennyson, Katz & Associates
WateReuse members from across the United States visited Washington, DC to elevate water as national priority during the National Water Policy Fly-In, a highlight of Water Week 2017. WateReuse participated with other water sector organizations to deliver a clear, consistent and unified message about the importance of water and water infrastructure to Congress and the Administration.
Safe, reliable, locally controlled water supplies are essential to livable communities that foster healthy environments, robust economies and a high quality of life. Recycling water to meet local needs for irrigation, agriculture, energy generation, manufacturing and drinking is gaining momentum across the country. “To grow the economy, we need to invest in infrastructure – that means better roads, safer bridges and a sustainable supply of clean water,” said WateReuse Executive Director Melissa Meeker. “Investing in water recycling will not only create jobs now but also ensure a reliable supply of clean water for sustained economic growth.“