Toho Water Authority (Toho) has received national recognition as a ‘Utility of the Future Today’ for continually improving its operations. Toho is one of 32 water utilities being recognized for transformational work in community engagement, watershed stewardship, and recovery of resources such as water, energy, and nutrients.

While upholding regulatory requirements at its forefront, Toho effectively plans and invests in maintaining and upgrading its infrastructure and facilities. Its success lies in the formation of unique partnerships that foster a culture of innovation.

The ‘Utility of the Future Today’ concept is being promoted as water systems face challenges such as aging infrastructure, water pollution, workforce shortages, and impacts of climate change, including drought, floods, storms, and sea level rise.

The Utility of the Future Today program was launched in 2016 by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the Water Environment & Reuse Foundation (WE&RF) and the WateReuse Association, with input from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The recognition celebrates the achievements of water utilities that transform from the traditional wastewater treatment system to a resource recovery center and leader in the overall sustainability and resilience of the communities they serve.

“The innovations coming to the water sector present an opportunity for a paradigm shift in the way utilities think about and solve long-standing challenges to clean and reliable water,” said Eileen O’Neill, Executive Director of the Water Environment Federation. “WEF is excited to recognize Toho Water Authority for embracing innovative ways to better serve their communities.”

Toho will be recognized at the WEFTEC 2018 Annual Technical Exhibition and Conference in October.