Lenexa, KS.  WaterOne was one of three utilities nation-wide honored with the Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance from the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) October 17 at AMWA’s 2011 Annual Meeting in Newport, R.I.  The award recognizes outstanding achievement in implementing the nationally recognized Attributes of Effectively Managed Water Utilities.

AMWA President James McDaniel stated , “These awards recognize the extraordinary performance of water agencies where management vision and employee commitment create a sustainable utility producing ample supplies of clean, safe drinking water.  The communities served by these award winners should be proud of the accomplishments of their forward-thinking, exceptionally well-managed public utilities.”

Cited as reasons for the award were the utility’s commitment to long-range planning, completion of a state-of-the-art treatment facility and laboratory in 2010; attention to optimization; innovative solutions such as use of energy savings software in the treatment process and pipe-bursting techniques for main replacements; high commitment to customer service as well as employee training, wellness and safety which have resulted in a healthier work force and advancement of its employees.  Additionally, through careful financial planning and fiscal responsibility, WaterOne enjoys support from ratepayers for new projects and has been awarded high bond ratings.