Member Spotlight

The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority is the largest water and wastewater utility in New Mexico, serving more than 650,000 residents in the greater Albuquerque area. Its Southside Water Reclamation Plant (SWRP) discharges approximately 55 million gallons per day of high-quality treated effluent into the Rio Grande, maintaining roughly 6.5 miles of connected river even during periods of upstream drying — a lifeline for the endangered Rio Grande Silvery Minnow (RGSM) and the broader riparian ecosystem.

The City of Dayton’s (Ohio) Urban Agriculture Grant Program, launched in 2012, is an innovative initiative that merges stormwater management with community empowerment. Coordinated by the Water Department and the Community Engagement umbrella of the City’s Planning, Neighborhoods, and Development Department, the program provides urban growers with the opportunity to use finished Dayton Water and collected rainwater to support gardens that deliver environmental and community benefits. These efforts help restore biodiversity, increase green space, and address food insecurity across the city.

The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) launched its Green Infrastructure (GI) Program in 2002, and at the time it was met with considerable skepticism. MMSD recognized early on that managing water where it falls could help keep stormwater out of the region’s sewer system and prevent pollution from being carried into local rivers.

El Paso Water (EPWater) in Texas serves more than 850,000 residents and businesses in one of the driest regions of the country. Located in the Chihuahuan Desert and averaging only nine inches of annual rainfall, the utility relies on groundwater and Rio Grande surface water to support its community. As the city grows, so does the demand for a skilled and reliable plant workforce. Facing industry-wide staffing challenges, particularly at wastewater facilities, EPWater launched a new initiative to strengthen its pipeline of operators and technicians.

With community engagement essential to effective wastewater management, South Essex Sewerage District (SESD) enhanced its website to better inform and involve residents in efforts to keep local waters and the environment clean. Recognizing that the public plays a critical role in protecting infrastructure and maintaining service efficiency, the District’s new website provides clear, practical guidance on how community members can help prevent sewer system disruptions caused by improper disposal practices.

The Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) proudly serves 20 cities and counties across Southeastern Virginia. Most recently, Northampton and Accomack counties—together comprising all of Virginia’s Eastern Shore—joined the HRSD service area. This region, known for its agriculture, seafood industry, and close-knit small towns, faced long-standing wastewater infrastructure challenges.

Fairfax County’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) Wastewater Management (WWM) Program not only treats millions of gallons of wastewater each day — it also inspires the next generation of environmental stewards. Building on its successful middle and high school lab programs, WWM has expanded to reach elementary students with hands-on activities, experiments, and videos that teach the importance of protecting our shared water resources.

In October 2023, the Derry Township Municipal Authority (DTMA) in Hershey, Pennsylvania completed significant upgrades at its Clearwater Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) through its Energy Enhancements Project (EEP). This initiative represents a critical milestone in DTMA’s long-term strategy to expand the facility’s capacity to accept high-strength organic waste and to harness on-site renewable energy for beneficial use.

The Sacramento Area Sewer District (SacSewer) plays a vital role in protecting public health and the environment, and they know that mission starts with their customers. That’s why ongoing public education is a key part of SacSewer’s work, helping residents understand how to be responsible sewer stewards.

Clark County Water Reclamation District’s (CCWRD) Septic Conversion Pilot Program is an innovative, grant-funded effort that helps property owners transition from septic systems to the sanitary sewer system at no out-of-pocket cost. This program was launched to improve water quality, protect groundwater resources and support long-term infrastructure planning in the Las Vegas Valley.