Minneapolis Water Treatment and Distribution Services is among just nine public drinking water systems in the nation to receive the Sustainable Water Utility Management Award from the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies. This is the first year the association has presented the award, which recognizes water utilities that have made a commitment to management that achieves a balance of innovative and successful efforts in economic, social and environmental endeavors.
Minneapolis was recognized for incorporating strategies and financial procedures such as requiring the water division to maintain a minimum cash balance equal to approximately three months of operating expenses to keep cash flow available and implementing a five-year capital improvement program that details each construction project, its estimated cost and where the source of funding. The association also noted the addition of a fixed rate in utility billing that helps stabilize revenues from fluctuations in water use due to weather and the declining water demand by customers. Minneapolis was also recognized for encouraging its customers to use water wisely and being engaged in other environmental stewardship initiatives, including sustainable design in capital projects, efficient vehicles, collaboration on source water protection, supporting urban farms and community gardens, promoting the value of drinking water and reducing the use of disposable water bottles.
This is not the first time Minneapolis has received an award from the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies. The City received the organization’s Platinum Award for Utility Excellence in 2011 and the Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance in 2002.
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