On October 16, 2017, OCWA–Central New York’s Water Authority–received the prestigious Sustainable Water Utility Management Award from the national Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA).
The Sustainable Water Utility Management Award recognizes water utilities committed to management that achieves a balance of innovative and successful efforts in areas of economic, social and environmental endeavors.
“As residents increasingly recognize how vital adequate, reliable supplies of safe, clean drinking water are to public health and community sustainability, OCWA is honored to be recognized for its ongoing efforts toward sustainability through innovative management practices, executive leadership and employee engagement,” said OCWA Executive Director Michael Hooker. “This award is a reflection of the strong team we have at OCWA, starting with our Board of Directors and flowing through our 175 dedicated employees.”
OCWA was specifically recognized for its “7G Green Team” initiative, which engages employees in the pursuit of more sustainable practices, building on innovative programs to deliver continuous and measurable results. From sustainable design and construction practices, to collaborative watershed management programs, to cutting-edge unmanned aerial systems used to inspect tanks and monitor surface water quality, the Authority is taking action and tracking key performance indicators to assure it is financially, environmentally and socially sustainable. Particularly meaningful is the recent consolidation with the Onondaga County Metropolitan Water Board to operate, maintain and invest in the entire regional water system under the more independent authority governance structure.
Photo caption: Accepting the Sustainable Water Utility Management Award are (from left to right) Geoffrey Miller, Deputy Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer; Kenneth Gardner, Board Treasurer; Holly Rosenthal, Deputy Executive Director-Strategic Initiatives; Eileen Gilligan, Board Secretary; and John Bianchini, Board Chair
