Water Efficiency Awards

In 2006 the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held its first annual Water Efficiency Awards to recognize to organizations and individuals who are making a significant positive contribution to the way we use water. According to the EPA “The awards are intended to help foster a nationwide ethic of water efficiency, as well as to inspire, motivate, and recognize efforts to improve water efficiency. This program enables EPA to document ‘best practices,’ share information, encourage an ethic of water efficiency, and create a network of water efficiency leaders.”

The winners in five categories are:

• Corporate: Toto USA, a plumbing fixture manufacturer who is a leader in developing water efficient fixtures and an advocate of water recycling. Advanced Mobile, a sustainable car wash company.

• Organizations: New York State Funeral Directors Association for adopting new technology that reduces the amount of water used in the embalming process by 96%.

• Government: Florida’s Water Reuse Program, responsible for 41% of the state’s wastewater being treated for reuse.

• Utilities: Southern Nevada Water Authority’s Water Smart Program which has saved 20 billion gallons of water since 2002.

• Individuals: Bill Sartor of the San Antonio Water System for his leadership as chairman of the Community Conservation Committee.