The San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District was among 34 water resource recovery facilities recognized as a Utility of the Future Today recipient during the international Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) in New Orleans on October 11, 2022. As the nation’s water systems transform operations through innovation and technology, the Utility of the Future Today is an opportunity for the efforts of water agencies around the world to be recognized.
The Utility of the Future Today recognition highlighted the commitment to watershed stewardship and creative solutions to provide sustainable water supply in the Upper Santa Ana River in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. This commitment led SBVMWD to take the lead in forming a regional infrastructure program of forward-looking projects designed to achieve water supply reliability, climate resilience, and long-term ecological health of the Upper Santa Ana River Watershed. The program, called Watershed Connect, is multiphase and comprised of interconnected water capture, recharge, storage, treatment, and conveyance projects.
“SBVMWD is doing a lot of great work to provide a reliable water supply for our people and the environment,” commented Board President Paul Kielhold. “Being recognized as a Utility of the Future Today affirms that our priorities and focus are on track with meeting the changing needs of the world around us.”
Established in 1954 as a wholesale water provider charged with meeting the water needs of a growing region, SBVMWD soon found itself in repeated multiyear droughts and planning for the effects of climate change.
“As the climate and hydrologic cycle change, the way we meet the water requirements of the region also needs to change in terms of adaptability to the unknown,” added CEO/General Manager Heather Dyer. “Receiving The Utility of the Future Today recognition affirms that we are doing the right things, the right way; from being proactive and responsive to water supply challenges we face to ensuring employees have the tools they need to feel empowered and make confident decisions in their work.”
The Utility of the Future Today Recognition Program was launched in 2016 by a partnership of organizations, including the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the Water Environment Federation, the Water Research Foundation, and the WateReuse Association. Input was also provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The goal of the program is to guide utilities of all sizes toward smarter, more efficient operations and resource recovery.
The program applauds the achievements of utilities that focus on resource recovery such as energy, nutrients, and recycled water; community partnering; and leadership in social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Applications for the program are reviewed by a selection committee consisting of peer utility general managers and executives. Since its inception, the program has honored 228 utilities from across the U.S. and in Australia, Canada, Denmark, and New Zealand.