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To celebrate the achievement of Columbus Water and Power for being recognized as a Utility of the Future Today.
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WHEREAS, the Water Environment Federation seeks to recognize utilities that are pushing the envelope in water reuse, energy recovery, equity, and water stewardship through the Utility of the Future Today Recognition Program; and
WHEREAS, Utility of the Future Today honorees are engaged in advancing resource efficiency and recovery, developing proactive relationships with stakeholders, and establishing resilient, sustainable, and livable communities; and
WHEREAS, Columbus Water and Power was one of just fourty-one utilities in the nation, and the only utility in the State of Ohio, to receive this recognition from the Water Environment Federation; and
WHEREAS, Columbus Water and Power received special recognition for its Division of Water Reclamation Biosolids Program; and
WHEREAS, In April of 2026, the City will achieve 10 full years of 100% beneficial reuse. This accomplishment is commendable for a municipality serving an area of 637 square miles and 1.4 million residents; and
WHEREAS, The City’s 100% Beneficial Reuse program’s outlet diversity, which includes liquid land application, anaerobic digestion, and abandoned mine reclamation tree farms, has contributed to the program’s success and resiliency; and
WHEREAS, the Division of Water Reclamation Compost Facility is one of the oldest composting facilities of its kind in the nation, and the only outlet which produces Class A, exceptional quality biosolids; and
WHEREAS, in addition to biosolids landfill diversion, the City diverts 15,000 tons of logs and yard waste annually through a free yard waste drop off program, which provides for approximately half of the necessary bulking agent for the facility; and
WHEREAS, key staff members deserving of recognition are Division Administrator Rob Priestas, Division Assistant Administrator Stacia Eckenwiler, Southerly Plant Manager Doug Dixon, Compost Manager Josh Lutz, Biosolids Specialist Moss Birri, as well as the entire compost team; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby recognize and celebrate the achievement of Columbus Water and Power as one of the honorees of the Water Environment Federation’s Utility of the Future Today Program.