In 2017, H2GO was recognized as a Utility of the Future Today by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the Water Environment & Reuse Foundation (WE&RF) and WateReuse, with input from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This award was given to H2GO for continual community engagement efforts including the Cooking Oil Recycling Effort (C.O.R.E) and Operation Round Up program.

H2GO has once again been recognized as a Utility of the Future Today in 2021 for commitment and dedication to making the community we serve a better place for its residents. H2GO’s efforts in moving forward with construction of the Aquifer-Sourced Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Treatment Plant was a major part of this recognition. Nearly a decade ago, the H2GO Board of Commissioners sought to investigate alternative water supplies, including the construction and operation of an RO treatment plant; eliminating dependence upon wholesale water providers, ever-increasing wholesale water rates, and contaminated surface water supplies from the Cape Fear River.

Fast forward to 2021, construction of the production wells, transmission lines, and RO treatment plant is in full swing and progressing on schedule. H2GO anticipates the start of operations in early 2022. Clean, contaminant free water for H2GO customers is nearly a reality. And the best news, no water rate increases are necessary for construction and operation of the RO treatment plant.

“We are incredibly honored to have received this recognition again,” says Bob Walker, H2GO’s Executive Director. “Our Board of Commissioners and staff continue to show their dedication to improving the community we serve. We look forward to being able to produce clean, contaminant free water at no water rate increase for our customers come early 2022.”

H2GO is one of 39 water utilities from across the nation that were recognized as a forward-thinking and innovative utility that is providing resilient and value-added service to the communities they serve. The 39 utilities recognized in 2021 are transforming operations to meet challenges by recovering resources, engaging in the community, forming untraditional partnerships, and building an internal culture of innovation.

The Utility of the Future Today program is a joint effort launched in 2016 by four water sector organizations—the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the Water Environment & Reuse Foundation (WE&RF) and WateReuse, with input from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The program seeks to promote and recognize utilities that are building on a foundation of excellent management and to help small, medium, and large utilities transform their operations.

H2GO will be recognized during an awards ceremony at WEFTEC 2021–WEF’s annual technical exhibition and conference–this October in Chicago.