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WateReuse California recently recognized leaders in the water reuse community in seven categories for their on-going efforts in creating sustainable, locally controlled water supplies throughout the state. The awards presentation was part of the 2017 WateReuse California Annual Conference held in San Diego.
Thirteen individuals, agencies and organizations comprised the list of honorees, including:
- 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
The City of Dublin, one of three honorees as a Recycled Water Customer of the Year, was nominated by the Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD) for using recycled water in nearly all city parks and street medians and for also partnering with DSRSD in requiring land developers to install recycled water irrigation. Dublin Mayor David Haubert represented the city in accepting the award.
“More than 20 years ago, Dublin’s leaders recognized their general plan could not be realized without recycled water,” says DSRSD Board President Richard Halket. “The city’s strong support for DSRSD’s recycled water program has helped diversify the region’s water supply and permanently reduce demand for imported water.”
By 2016, more than 90 percent of the water used for the city’s municipal operations was recycled water. The use of recycled water irrigation has spread citywide and now is common at churches, schools, homeowner association common areas, apartment complexes, business parks and shopping centers.
Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD), headquartered in Perris in central Riverside County, was honored as the Large Recycled Water Agency of the Year. EMWD was recognized for its comprehensive approach toward investing in its recycled water program thereby ensuring that its resources are maximized. EMWD’s recycled water accounts for 36 percent of EMWD’s water supply portfolio, one of the highest figures in the nation.
“We are honored to be selected as the Agency of the Year,” EMWD Board President David Slawson said. “Recycled water is an incredibly valuable asset that allows us to responsibly maximize our resources and reduce dependence on imported water supplies. EMWD is committed to continually investing in our recycled water system for the benefit of all of our customers.”
EMWD treats approximately 45 million gallons of wastewater per day at its four regional water reclamation sites. The highly-treated wastewater becomes recycled water. The district has invested nearly $200 million in its recycled water program over the past 20 years. The investments have produced a fully integrated recycled water system whereby the supply, storage and distribution process provides a level of service commensurate with the potable water system.
On behalf of all of the 2017 WateReuse California awardees, Jennifer West, WateReuse California managing director said, “These deserving winners are great examples of why California leads the nation in recycled water innovation.”
