SacSewer accepted the 2025 Utility of the Future Today award at the Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition and Conference in Chicago on Sept. 30. Photo courtesy of Sacramento Area Sewer District

 

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento region’s sewage collection, treatment and resource recovery utility has earned national recognition for its innovative partnerships that protect local waterways and strengthen community resilience.

The Sacramento Area Sewer District (SacSewer) has been named a 2025 Utility of the Future Today by the Water Environment Federation for its leadership in the category of Watershed Stewardship, a distinction that highlights SacSewer’s flagship Confluence Regional Partnership Program (Confluence Program).

The Confluence Program was recognized specifically for its Watershed Management, Septic Tank Conversion, Public Education and American River Parkway and River Cleanup categories. By leveraging non-rate, non-fee revenues, the program invests in community-driven projects that enhance the region’s environmental health, educational opportunities and economic vitality.

Since its inception, the Confluence Program has supported dozens of local efforts that reduce pollution, restore natural habitats and provide hands-on learning experiences that inspire environmental stewardship throughout the region.

SacSewer leaders recently accepted the award at Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition and Conference in Chicago, joining top utilities from across the nation recognized for forward-thinking programs that deliver lasting community benefits.

Only a select group of utilities worldwide earn the Utility of the Future Today designation each year and SacSewer’s fourth recognition, following awards in 2016, 2019 and 2022, highlights its ongoing commitment to advancing sustainability and community-focused initiatives.

“This recognition underscores how community partnerships can make a lasting difference,” said SacSewer General Manager Christoph Dobson.

“Being named a Utility of the Future Today reflects how deeply SacSewer’s work is woven into the fabric of the communities we serve through programs like the Confluence Program that strengthen those communities, protect the environment and create long-term benefits for the Sacramento region,” Dobson said.

Since 2016, the program’s founding partners, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, Water Environment Federation, Water Research Foundation, WateReuse Association and the U.S. Water Alliance; have celebrated utilities that are redefining what it means to be sustainable, community-focused and forward-looking. Honorees are selected after a rigorous review by a committee of industry leaders and experts.

With ongoing investments in innovation and sustainability, SacSewer continues to set the bar for utilities nationwide working to safeguard public health and the environment.