City of Pueblo Wastewater Department and the James R. Dilorio Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) was recognized by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) with the Platinum Peak Performance Award for the ninth consecutive year of 100 percent compliance.
“The Pueblo Wastewater Department is honored to receive this achievement of Platinum Peak Performance Award for the ninth consecutive year,” said Director of Wastewater Andra Ahrens. “I am very proud of our team who earned this achievement through full compliance, and we look to continue maintaining this level of service with permit compliance for many years to come.”
Pueblo’s WRF is one of two facilities in the state of Colorado to achieve continuous compliance with all effluent limits, terms and conditions of its discharge permit to receive this Platinum Peak Performance Award. Platinum Awards recognize 100 percent compliance with permits over a consecutive five-year period after a facility has received the award at the Gold level previously.
Pueblo is one of 173 Platinum facilities to have achieved between five and 33 years of perfect, 100 percent compliance with their permits. In total 517 facilities received Peak Performance Awards for fiscal year 2022 with 204 receiving Gold and 140 receiving Silver recognition.
Effective maintenance of the Water Reclamation Facility is critical in maintaining compliance and providing the maintenance of sanitary sewer main throughout the City of Pueblo. The Water Reclamation Facility treats more than 10 million gallons of wastewater per day and is reclaimed through natural processes. Proper collection and treatment are essential for public health for residents of Pueblo and the surrounding region.
“This recognition for the Water Reclamation Facility is a testament to the hard work of our dedicated staff who take the adherence to compliance and regulations very seriously in order to provide the highest quality of service and safety to our community and the surrounding region,” Said Ahrens.
Each year during the annual meeting NACWA recognized the commitment, innovation and achievements of public water entities and individual achievements for the clean water community. Other awards in addition to the Peak Performance Awards include the Clean Water Advocate Recognition Program, Excellence in Management Recognition Program, National Environmental Achievement Awards, Utility of the Future Today Recognition Program and the NACWA Hall of Fame.
For over 50 years, NACWA has been the nation’s recognized leader in legislative, regulatory, and legal advocacy on the full spectrum of clean water issues, as well as top technical resource for water management, sustainability and ecosystem protection interests. NACWA represents public wastewater and stormwater agencies of all sizes nationwide. The Association’s unique and growing network strengthens the advocacy voice for all member utilities, and ensures they have the tools necessary to provide affordable and sustainable clean water for all.
Source: City of Pueblo
