WASHINGTON, DC, April 15, 2015 -- On Monday, April 13, the U.S. Water Alliance (USWA) awarded the City of San Diego Public Utilities Department with the U.S. Water Prize during the award ceremony at the National Geographic Society Headquarters in Washington D.C., for its exceptional efforts relating to the Water Purification Demonstration Project (see "City Opens Doors to Water Purification Project").
The U.S. Water Prize is a highly-regarded award initiated five years ago by the USWA to elevate those organizations with strategies that promote the value of water and the power of innovating and integrating for one-water sustainability. "This year's awardees highlight the commitment and innovation we see throughout America's water and business sectors," said Tracy Mehan, USWA interim president. "The Alliance board and staff offer their heartfelt congratulations to them all."
San Diego's Demonstration Project confirmed the feasibility of purifying recycled water to supplement local drinking water supplies. Further, the project findings are helping develop standards for potable reuse across the country and enabled the city to move forward with Pure Water San Diego, its long-term potable reuse program.
"Pure Water San Diego will provide one-third of the city of San Diego's water supply upon completion in 2035, with the first 15 million gallons per day being produced by 2023," said Public Utilities Director Halla Razak. "Water supply independence is an ever important goal because of the increased pressure on imported water supplies due to recurring droughts, rising population, increasing costs, and climate change. The city is committed to controlling more of its own destiny by implementing potable reuse."
See also:
"2015 U.S. Water Prize winners to receive awards in Washington, DC"
"San Diego Public Utilities Department earns Public Outreach and Education Achievement Award"
About the U.S. Water Alliance
The U.S. Water Alliance was formed in 2008 as a 501c3 nonprofit educational organization whose goal is to unite people and policy for one-water sustainability. The Alliance awards the U.S. Water Prize and organizes the One Water Leadership Summit annually. A broad cross-section of interests has come together through the Alliance to advance holistic, watershed-based solutions to water quality and quantity challenges. For more information, visit www.USWaterAlliance.org.
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