Press Releases

(CLEVELAND – July 16) – The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) recognized the nation's top-performing clean water utilities and honored outstanding leaders in the water sector during a July 15 ceremony at the 2026 Utility Leadership Conference in Cleveland.

President’s Award
This award is given to individuals who are actively involved in NACWA activities and have made a major contribution to achieving the Association's goals and objectives.

• Susan Pekarek, General Manager, Johnson County (Kan.) Wastewater
• Michael Witt, General Counsel, Passaic Valley (N.J.) Sewerage Commission

Clean Water Advocate

This award highlights the outstanding advocacy work by NACWA Member Agencies to further municipal clean water priorities.

• Capital Region Water, (Harrisburg, Pa.)
• Little Rock (Ark.) Water Reclamation Authority

Additionally, the Association recognized:

Peak Performance Awards
This year, NACWA recognized 540 treatment facilities at 206 of its member Public Agencies for outstanding compliance and performance in accordance with their National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. A complete list of NACWA’s Peak Performance Awards can be found here. The Peak Performance Awards reflect permit compliance for the 2025 calendar year.

NACWA CEO Adam Krantz praised the Peak Performance recipients, noting

“The utilities receiving NACWA’s Peak Performance Awards have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to operational excellence and environmental protection,” he said. “These achievements reflect the hard work and dedication of the utility professionals who ensure clean water services remain reliable, effective, and resilient for the communities they serve. NACWA is proud to celebrate their accomplishments and the critical role they play in safeguarding public health and the environment.”

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ABOUT NACWA

For over 50 years, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) has been the nation’s recognized leader in legislative, regulatory, legal, and communications advocacy on the full spectrum of clean water issues. NACWA represents public wastewater and stormwater agencies of all sizes nationwide. Our unique and growing network strengthens the advocacy voice for the public clean water sector and helps advance policies to provide affordable and sustainable clean water for all. Our vision is to advance sustainable and responsible policy initiatives that help to shape a strong and sustainable clean water future. For more information, visit us at www.nacwa.org.