SCWA Deputy CEO Joseph Pokorny (right) accepts the Sustainable Utility Management Award from AMWA President Steve Schneider
The Suffolk County Water Authority has been honored by the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies with the Sustainable Utility Management Award, the highest honor awarded by the organization.
The award recognizes water utilities that have made a commitment to management that achieves a balance of innovative and successful efforts in areas of economic, social and environmental endeavors.
“Sustainability is at the heart of every decision we make at SCWA, so to be recognized by AMWA for our efforts in this area was incredibly gratifying for us,” SCWA Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey W. Szabo said. “Whether it’s reducing our carbon footprint or taking steps to protect our sole source aquifer, we know how critical it is to ensure future generations of Long Islanders have access to the same great water we provide today.”
AMWA pointed to the SCWA’s new tiered-rate structure, which incentivizes customers to use water judiciously, as well as its “Water Wise” programs, which provide customers with customized water-saving plans and financial incentives for buying water-saving devices. Judges also cited SCWA’s strong public outreach programs such as its education center and WaterTalk program, both of which help Suffolk residents understand the importance of protecting our precious water supply.
“AMWA awards spotlight the exceptional advances of public drinking water utilities that lead the nation toward sustainability through innovative management practices, executive leadership and employee commitment,” said AMWA President Steve Schneider, General Manager of Saint Paul Regional Water Services. “Communities that rely on AMWA’s 2019 award winning utilities for safe, clean drinking water can also take pride in their outstanding utility management performance.”
The Sustainable Utility Management Award is the third award SCWA has received from AMWA after winning the Association’s Platinum Award in 2017 and Gold Award in 2015.
The Suffolk County Water Authority is an independent public-benefit corporation operating under the authority of the Public Authorities Law of the State of New York. Serving approximately 1.2 million Suffolk County residents, the Authority operates without taxing power on a not-for-profit basis.