Scottsdale Water has been named a 2021 Utility of the Future Today recipient by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies for an exceptional water reuse program and innovative internal culture.

Scottsdale Water was recognized in the specialty of water reuse as a Zero-Waste, 100-percent water reuse utility backed by its numerous programs, facilities and partnerships, according to a press release.

Achieving 100-percent of its goal, reusing 8.5-billion gallons of water in 2020, the release said Scottsdale Water will be formally recognized during an awards presentation at Water Environment Federation’s 94th annual technical exhibition and conference in October.

The Utility of the Future Today recognition program honors forward-thinking, innovative water utilities that are providing resilient value-added service to communities - particularly in community engagement, watershed stewardship, and recovery of resources such as water, energy and nutrients.

“We are very proud of the innovation and technological advancements we have accomplished at Scottsdale Water,” said Scottsdale Water Executive Director Brian Biesemeyer in a prepared statement. “This recognition not only validates our achievements but does it at a national level giving us recognition as a leader in the industry across the United States.”

The recognition program is a global partnership of water sector organizations—the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the Water Environment Federation, the Water Environment and Reuse Foundation and the WateReuse Association—with input from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the release said.

The goal of the program is to distinguish water and wastewater utilities who demonstrate exceptional performance and a commitment to advancing effective and sustainable practices that will help utilities across the sector.

Since inception, 183 utilities have received recognition under this innovative program, with Scottsdale Water being recognized for the first time in 2016, added the release.