Member Spotlight

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.

In 2015, the City of Columbus Department of Public Utilities (DPU) took a major step forward in solving a long-standing problem: sanitary sewer overflows. Under a Consent Order from the Ohio EPA, the city needed to find a solution to eliminate sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) and stop sewage from spilling into basements, rivers, and streams during heavy rain or snowmelt. Instead of relying on traditional and expensive infrastructure fixes, Columbus launched Blueprint Columbus – a bold, innovative program that tackles the issue at its source.

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA/Agency) developed their ongoing Be Sewer Smart Campaign, which addresses the growing issue of the improper disposal of fats, oils, and greases (FOG), wipes and other hygiene products marketed as ‘flushable’.

The Kletzsch Dam Fish Passage project, led by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and Milwaukee County Parks, was intended to address required dam repairs and to provide fish passage for native species within the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern (AOC).

The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) established its internship program to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities and real-world experience, preparing them for successful careers in the water sector. The program is designed not only to equip students with essential skills for lifelong success but also to build GLWA’s talent pipeline for the future.

In July 2022, Houston Public Works conceived and launched the Give Water a Break campaign – a comprehensive educational and outreach program, carefully tailored to address the city's unique water-related issues and foster a culture of water conservation.